chap|ter

chap|ter «CHAP tuhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a main division of a book or other writing, usually numbered, dealing with a certain part of the story or subject: »

That book is dull until the hero enters in the third chapter. The first chapters of the Biblical book of Genesis tell about the creation of the world.

2. Figurative. anything like a chapter; part; section: »

The development of radio is an interesting chapter in modern science.

3. a local division of an organization, which holds its own meetings; branch of a club, fraternity, society, or the like.

4. Ecclesiastical. a) a regular meeting of the canons of a collegiate or cathedral church, presided over by a dean. b) the members of such an assembly collectively: »

The dean and chapter are…the nominal electors of a bishop (William Blackstone).

c) a general meeting or assembly of the members of a religious or other order.

5. Roman Catholic Church. a Biblical passage read as a lesson following the psalms at the canonical hours, at complin, when it follows the hymn, and at matins.

6. British. a division of the statute book corresponding to one Act of Parliament, cited with the regnal year: »

the fifth Anne, chapter two.

Abbr: ch., chap.

–v.t.

to divide (a book or other written matter) into chapters; arrange in chapters: »

The Bible was chaptered by Cardinal Langton.

╂[< Old French chapitre, learned borrowing from Latin capitulum (diminutive) < caput, -itis head. See etym. of doublet chapiter. (Cf. ↑chapiter)]