ˈchan(t)səl, -aan-, -ain-, -ȧn- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, chancel, lattice separating the chancel from the nave, from Late Latin cancellus lattice in front of the altar, from Latin cancelli lattice — more at cancel
1. : the part of a church in which is located the altar or communion table, pulpit, and lectern, which is occupied by the clergy and usually the choir during religious services, and which is customarily on a higher level than the nave and separated from it by steps
2. : a section similar to a chancel in a building other than a church