In them a raised semicircular space at the eastern end was divided off by columns known as Cancelli for the use of the magistrate and his lectors, and between it and the main body of the hall, which was divided by columns into a nave and aisles, rose the altar on which sacrifice was offered up before any business of importance was entered upon.
"Architecture"
Nancy R E Meugens Bell
The ordinary screen or Cancelli, from which is derived our word "chancel" for the space thus enclosed, was a low wall.
"The Ground Plan of the English Parish Church"
A. Hamilton Thompson
A very large number of the old screens remain, ornamented with the arms of Elizabeth or James I. Proceeding eastward we enter the chancel, so called because it is inclosed with Cancelli, or the lattice-work of the screen.
"English Villages"
P. H. Ditchfield