The chancel is the part of a church containing the altar, where the clergy and the choir usually sit.
chancel in British English
(ˈtʃɑːnsəl)
noun
the part of a church containing the altar, sanctuary, and choir, usually separated from the nave and transepts by a screen
Word origin
C14: from Old French, from Latin cancellī (plural) lattice
chancel in American English
(ˈtʃænsəl)
noun
the part of a church around the altar, usually at the east end, reserved for the use of the clergy and the choir: it is sometimes set off by a railing or screen
Word origin
ME chauncel < OFr chancel < LL cancellus < L cancelli, pl., lattices: see cancel
Examples of 'chancel' in a sentence
chancel
He took her hand gently and led her up towards the chancel.
Barbara Erskine HIDING FROM THE LIGHT (1990)
They heard Mike bang into something and swear under his breath, then suddenly the lights came on in the chancel.
Barbara Erskine HIDING FROM THE LIGHT (1990)
She and Emma were standing at the top of the chancel steps now.
Barbara Erskine HIDING FROM THE LIGHT (1990)
Her head even now was unswervingly fixed in the direction of the chancel.