n. 1 a main division of a book. 2 a period of time (in a person's life, a nation's history, etc.). 3 a series or sequence (a chapter of misfortunes). 4 a the canons of a cathedral or other religious community or knightly order. b a meeting of these. 5 an Act of Parliament numbered as part of a session's proceedings. 6 US a local branch of a society. chapter and verse an exact reference or authority. chapter house 1 a building used for the meetings of a chapter. 2 US the place where a college fraternity or sorority meets.
[ ME f. OF chapitre f. L capitulum dimin. of caput -itis head ]