chapel
UK: ˈtʃæp.əl | US: ˈtʃæp.əl
n. a small place of worship, often attached to a larger institution (e.g., school, hospital)
n. a private or subordinate church within a larger religious complex
n. (historically) a shrine housing a sacred relic
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The word "chapel" traces back to the Medieval Latin "cappella," meaning "little cloak." This odd connection stems from the 8th-century Frankish tradition: the kings preserved St. Martin’s torn cloak (cappa) as a relic in a shrine, which became known as the "cappella." The priests guarding it were "cappellani" (chaplains), and the shrine itself evolved into "chapel" in Old French. Over time, the term expanded to denote any small worship space, detached from the relic’s original context but retaining its humble scale.
The university chapel hosts weekly interfaith services.
She lit a candle in the hospital chapel for her recovery.
The royal chapel contains exquisite Gothic architecture.
Medieval travelers often prayed in roadside chapels.
The wedding was held in a quaint stone chapel by the lake.