Chan"cel (?), n. [OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L. cancelli [lattice]s, [crossbar]s. (The chancel was formerly inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See [Cancel], v. t.] [Architecture|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] [Architecture|Arch.], the aisle which passes on either side of or around the chancel. -- [Chancel arch] [Architecture|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.

© [Webster 1913].

chancel (definition)