Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Chancel \Chan"cel\, n. [OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L.
   cancelli lattices, crossbars. (The chancel was formerly
   inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See {Cancel}, v. t.]
   (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} (Arch.), the aisle which passes on either
      side of or around the chancel.

   {Chancel arch} (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.

Source : WordNet®

chancel
     n : area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir;
         often enclosed by a lattice or railing [syn: {sanctuary},
          {bema}]