chancel
n.the part of a church that is closest to the altar. It is usually separated from the main part of the church by a screen or a low wall.
n.the part of a church that contains the altar and is typically separated from the nave by a screen or low wall. Often used in the context of ecclesiastical architecture or legal property rights.
“The choir sings from the chancel during the service.”
“The architect designed the chancel to be slightly higher than the nave to emphasize the altar's importance.”
“In many medieval cathedrals, the chancel is distinguished by its more intricate stone carvings and the presence of a choir screen that separates the sacred space from the congregation.”
From Old French chancel. Doublet of cancellus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.