chancel

[ chan-suhl, chahn- ]

noun

1. the space about the altar of a church, usually enclosed, for the clergy and other officials.

chancel

/ ˈtʃɑːnsəl /

noun

1. the part of a church containing the altar, sanctuary, and choir, usually separated from the nave and transepts by a screen

Other Words From

• chanceled chancelled adjective
• sub·chancel noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chancel¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French < Late Latin cancellus lattice, railing or screen before the altar of a church, Latin cancell ( ī ) (plural) lattice, railing, grating; cancel

Word History and Origins

Origin of chancel¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin cancellī (plural) lattice

Example Sentences

But Marseille equalized in the 20th when central defender Chancel Mbemba collected Geoffrey Kondogbia’s pass and his fine curling shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the left post and rolled in.

From Seattle Times

Chancel Mbemba headed Masuaku's cross over the target, and the Leopards needed Mpasi to react smartly when Hamdi Fathi's clever flick allowed Zizo to accurately fire in a fierce shot from a tight angle.

From BBC

Two goals in as many first-half minutes gave them a mountain to climb as former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba swept in before Jordan Veretout took advantage of a mistake by Brighton captain Lewis Dunk to add a second moments later.

From BBC

Before he could say another word, men from each corner of the chancel hooted and howled.

From Los Angeles Times

Center back Chancel Mbemba was the rock in Marseille’s defense and Geoffrey Kondogbia’s arrival from Atletico Madrid boosts a solid midfield already boasting France midfielders Jordan Veretout and Matteo Guendouzi.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• chapel
• mosque
• parish
• sanctuary
• shrine
• synagogue
• temple