Chan"cel (?), n. [OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L. cancelli lattices, crossbars. (The chancel was formerly inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See Cancel, v. t.] Arch. (a)

That part of a church, reserved for the use of the clergy, where the altar, or communion table, is placed.

Hence, in modern use; (b)

All that part of a cruciform church which is beyond the line of the transept farthest from the main front.

Chancel aisle Arch., the aisle which passes on either side of or around the chancel. -- Chancel arch Arch., the arch which spans the main opening, leading to the chancel -- Chancel casement, the principal window in a chancel. Tennyson. -- Chancel table, the communion table.

 

© Webster 1913.

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