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chapter

n. · v.
US //ˈtʃæptɝ// UK //tʃˈæptɐ// chap·ter
  1. 1 section of a book (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    one of the main parts that a book is divided into.

    a main division of a written work, typically numbered or titled.

    Example

    I just finished the third chapter of the novel and it is getting very exciting.

    Example

    The author concludes each chapter with a summary of the key arguments to ensure the reader follows the complex theoretical framework.
  2. 2 local branch of a club (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a local group that belongs to a larger national or international organisation.

    a local branch or division of a larger society, fraternity, or professional organisation.

    Example

    The local chapter of the charity raised five thousand dollars for the new hospital.

    Example

    As the president of the university's alumni chapter, she was responsible for coordinating the annual networking gala in London.
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  1. 3 period of time (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific period of time in history or in a person's life.

    a distinct period or sequence of events in history or a personal narrative.

    Example

    Moving to a new city felt like starting a whole new chapter in my life.

    Example

    The signing of the peace treaty marked the end of a dark chapter in the nation's history and the beginning of reconstruction.
  2. 4 religious body (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Religion

    a group of people who run a cathedral or a religious order.

    a body of clergy belonging to a cathedral or collegiate church, or the members of a religious order.

    Example

    The cathedral chapter met to discuss the repairs needed for the ancient roof.

    Example

    The dean and the chapter reached a consensus regarding the liturgical changes proposed for the upcoming advent season.
  3. 5 to remove from service (v.)
    C1 Advanced American English Technical Military

    to officially remove someone from the military because of a problem.

    to initiate administrative proceedings to discharge a member from military service.

    Example

    The army decided to chapter him after he failed several fitness tests.

    Example

    The command team had to decide whether to chapter the soldier for repeated misconduct or offer one final chance at rehabilitation.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and usually refers to an involuntary administrative discharge.
Origin

From Middle English chapitre, from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum (“a chapter of a book, in Medieval Latin also a synod or council”), diminutive of caput (“a head”); see capital, capitulum, and chapiter, which are doublets of chapter.

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