The area around the altar of a church, typically reserved for clergy and choir, often separated from the nave by a screen or rail. This sacred space is usually elevated and contains the most important liturgical furnishings.
From Latin 'cancelli' meaning 'lattice' or 'screen,' referring to the barrier that traditionally separated this sacred space from the congregation. The term evolved through Old French 'chancel' to describe the screened-off area itself.
Try Another Word