cancellus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / Archaic / TechnicalSpecialized / Archaic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “cancellus” mean?
A barrier or screen separating parts of a building, such as in a church or law court, often made of lattice or openwork.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A barrier or screen separating parts of a building, such as in a church or law court, often made of lattice or openwork.
A low wall, screen, or railing enclosing a sacred or official space, such as a choir, chancel, or judge's bench; historically, the origin of the modern term 'chancel' in church architecture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No discernible difference in modern usage, as the word is obsolete. Both UK and US architectural/historical texts would use it identically.
Connotations
Connotes historical, ecclesiastical, or classical architecture.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both variants, found only in specialist historical or architectural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cancellus” in a Sentence
[The] cancellus separated [the choir from the nave].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cancellus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cancellar structure was excavated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or architectural texts describing ancient Roman, Byzantine, or early Christian buildings.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely in architectural history to describe a specific type of partition.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cancellus”
- Using it as a modern word for 'cancel'.
- Pronouncing it like 'cancel-us' with a soft 'c'.
- Assuming it is in common use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Etymologists debate this. 'Cancellus' (Latin for 'lattice, grating') may be related to 'cancel' via the idea of crossing out with lines, like a lattice. However, it's not a direct derivation.
Only in very specific historical or architectural contexts. For general purposes, use words like 'screen', 'partition', or 'railing'.
In British English, /kan-SELL-uhs/. In American English, /kan-SELL-uhs/ or /kan-SELL-uhs/. The first 'c' is a hard 'k' sound.
The most direct descendant is 'chancel', the part of a church near the altar, historically enclosed by a screen (the cancellus).
A barrier or screen separating parts of a building, such as in a church or law court, often made of lattice or openwork.
Cancellus is usually specialized / archaic / technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CANCELLing entry to a sacred area with a CANCELLUS screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARRIER AS SEPARATOR OF SACRED/PROFANE. STRUCTURE AS DEFINING SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cancellus'?