Chancel: meaning, definitions and examples

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chancel

 

[ ˈtʃænsəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious setting

A chancel is the area of a church near the altar, typically reserved for the clergy and choir. It is often elevated and separated from the nave by a screen or railing. The chancel is an important part of traditional church architecture, reflecting its role in religious services.

Synonyms

altar area, apse, sanctuary

Examples of usage

  • The choir sang beautifully in the chancel.
  • During the service, the priest stood at the front of the chancel.
  • The stained glass windows illuminated the chancel with colorful light.
  • The church's chancel was adorned with flowers for the wedding.
  • Children were taught about the significance of the chancel in their Sunday school.

Translations

Translations of the word "chancel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corredor

🇮🇳 चांसल

🇩🇪 Chor

🇮🇩 koridor

🇺🇦 хор

🇵🇱 chór

🇯🇵 聖堂

🇫🇷 chœur

🇪🇸 coros

🇹🇷 koro

🇰🇷 합창단

🇸🇦 جوقة

🇨🇿 sbor

🇸🇰 zbor

🇨🇳 合唱团

🇸🇮 zbor

🇮🇸 kór

🇰🇿 хор

🇬🇪 ქორო

🇦🇿 xor

🇲🇽 coro

Word origin

The word 'chancel' originates from the Latin 'cancellus', meaning 'lattice' or 'grating'. This term was used to refer to the partition that separated the clergy from the laypeople in early Christian churches. Over time, the meaning evolved to specifically denote the area around the altar and the choir in a church. The transition from 'cancellus' to 'chancel' reflects the architectural developments and liturgical practices within the Christian tradition, as more elaborate church designs emerged during the Middle Ages. By the 14th century, the term was firmly established in English, denoting a key part of church architecture that still holds relevance today.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,279, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.