chancel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing
    bema; sanctuary.

WordNet

Chan"cel noun
Etymology
OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L. cancelli lattices, crossbars. (The chancel was formerly inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See Cancel, v. t.
Definitions
  1. (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.

Webster 1913