Chancel
/ˈtʃɑːn.səl/noun
The part of a church around the altar, typically reserved for the clergy and choir.
Did you know?Chancel comes from the same Latin root as "chancellor," originally referring to a screen or lattice, likely because a low barrier separated sacred space from the rest of the church.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cancellus
“A lattice; a grating; a barrier made of crossed bars.”
Late Latin
Latin
cancellus / cancelli
“The lattice screen or railing separating an area, especially in a church or courtroom.”
Old French
Old French
chancel
“The part of a church enclosed by a screen around the altar.”
Middle English
English
chancel
“The choir or sanctuary area of a church.”
Modern English
English
chancel
“The part of a church around the altar, especially in Christian churches.”
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