chancel
|chan-cel|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈtʃænsəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈtʃɑːnsəl/
church altar area
Etymology
Etymology Information
'chancel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'chancel,' where 'cancelli' meant 'lattice' or 'barrier.'
Historical Evolution
'cancelli' transformed into the Old French word 'chancel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'chancel.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'lattice' or 'barrier,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the part of a church near the altar.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the part of a church near the altar, reserved for the clergy and choir, and typically separated from the nave by steps or a screen.
The choir sang beautifully from the chancel.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35