chapel

chapel [chap′əl]

n.

[ME & OFr chapelle < ML cappella, dim. of cappa, cape < LL: orig., sanctuary in which the cappa or cope of St. Martin was preserved; then, any sanctuary]

1. a place of Christian worship subordinate to and smaller than a church

2.

a) a room or building used as a place of worship, as in a hospital, school, or army post

b) a room in a funeral home for funeral services

3.

a) a room or recess in a church, set apart for special services and having its own altar

b) a similar room in some Jewish synagogues

4. a service in a chapel, or any religious service, as at a school

5. the singers of a private chapel, collectively

6. a local chapter of a printers' union

7. in Great Britain, any place of worship for those who are not members of an established church