'Chancel' definitions:

Definition of 'chancel'

From: WordNet
noun
Area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing [syn: chancel, sanctuary, bema]

Definition of 'Chancel'

From: GCIDE
  • Chancel \Chan"cel\, n. [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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'chancel'

From: Moby Thesaurus