noun

chancery

CHAHN-suh-rih

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Chancery (noun) means a court of equity, or more generally, a government office that handles official records and legal documents. Example: “The dispute over the estate dragged on for years in chancery.”

noun

A court of equity, or more generally, a government office that handles official records and legal documents.

"The dispute over the estate dragged on for years in chancery."

In wrestling, a hold in which an opponent's head is trapped under one arm while being struck with the other.

"He caught his opponent in a chancery before the referee called the round."

How to use chancery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA court or government records office; also a wrestling headlock.

Common mistake

The phrase "in chancery" figuratively means being stuck in a helpless, powerless position — from the wrestling hold, not the court.

Easily confused with

chancellery →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “chancery” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dispute over the estate dragged on for years in _____.

Etymology

From Old French chancellerie, ultimately from Latin cancelli ("lattice, bars") — the same root as "chancel," referring to the barred area separating officials from the public in early courts.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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in chancery

Rhymes for chancery

very every fiery query leery artery celery bakery finery ornery misery watery

See all rhymes for chancery →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chancery” mean?

The word “chancery” means a court of equity, or more generally, a government office that handles official records and legal documents. In plain terms, a court or government records office; also a wrestling headlock.

How do you pronounce “chancery”?

“Chancery” is pronounced CHAHN-suh-rih (/ˈt͡ʃɑːnsəɹɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “chancery” in a sentence?

Here is “chancery” used in a sentence: “The dispute over the estate dragged on for years in chancery.”

What is another word for “chancery”?

Words with a similar meaning to “chancery” include in chancery.

What part of speech is “chancery”?

“Chancery” is a noun.

Where does the word “chancery” come from?

The word “chancery” comes from Latin. From Old French chancellerie, ultimately from Latin cancelli ("lattice, bars") — the same root as "chancel," referring to the barred area separating officials from the public in early courts.

How many meanings does “chancery” have?

“Chancery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a court of equity, or more generally, a government office that handles official records and legal documents.