CHANCEL

chancel, sanctuary, bema

(noun) area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

chancel (plural chancels)

The space around the altar in a church, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen.

Synonyms

• apse

• presbytery

• sanctuary

Source: Wiktionary

Chan"cel, n. Etym: [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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition