noun

chancel

Chancel (noun) means the space around the altar in a church or cathedral, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen.

noun

The space around the altar in a church or cathedral, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen.

The entire end of the church in which the altar stands, including the apse and the ambulatory.

A certain central portion of that end of the church, excluding the apse and the ambulatory.

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Etymology

From Old French chancel. Doublet of cancellus.

Rhymes for chancel

cancel

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of chancel?

"chancel" (noun) means the space around the altar in a church or cathedral, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen.

What are the different meanings of chancel?

"chancel" has 3 main meanings: 1. The space around the altar in a church or cathedral, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen; 2. The entire end of the church in which the altar stands, including the apse and the ambulatory; 3. A certain central portion of that end of the church, excluding the apse and the ambulatory.