chancel etymology

Etymology

The word "chancel" comes from the Old French word "cancel," which in turn is derived from the Latin word "cancelli," meaning "lattice" or "screen."

Meaning

A chancel is the easternmost part of a Christian church, where the altar is located. It is typically separated from the rest of the church by a screen or railing.

Origin

The use of a chancel in Christian churches dates back to the early days of Christianity. In the early churches, the chancel was a separate room where the clergy would prepare for the Eucharist. Over time, the chancel became more integrated into the main body of the church, but it retained its original function as the place where the altar is located.

Other Meanings

In addition to its primary meaning as the easternmost part of a church, the word "chancel" can also refer to:

  • The choir of a church
  • The area of a church where the clergy sit during services
  • A legal term for the part of a court where the judge sits

chancel relate terms

  • cancel

    Etymology The word cancel derives from the Old French word canceller which in turn c

  • incarceration

    Etymology The word incarceration comes from the Latin incarcerare meaning to impri

  • chancellor

    Etymology Old French chancelier Middle Latin cancellarius Late Latin cancellarius f

  • chancel

    Etymology The word chancel comes from the Old French word cancel which in turn is de

  • sanctuary

    Etymology of Sanctuary The word sanctuary derives from the Latin word sanctuarium

  • church

    Etymology The English word church originates from the Old English word cirice which

  • choir

    Etymology The word choir comes from the Old French word cuer which in turn comes fro

  • area

    Etymology The word area comes from the Latin word area which means open space or

  • guild

    Etymology Old English gild Anglo Saxon gildan meaning to pay or to contribute

  • curtain

    Etymology and Meaning The word curtain comes from the Middle English word curtaine

  • adversary

    Etymology The word adversary comes from the Latin word adversarius which means opp

  • restore

    Etymology Origin Latin restaurare to repair restore Root sta to stand be stab