\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.