Chapter

[L. Lat. capitulum, q. ▼.] In English ecclesiastical law. An assembly of the prebendaries and canons in a cathedral, conventual or collegiate church; called in the old books congregatio c Uricorum, an assembly of clerks or congregation of clergymen. Term/es de la ley.

CowelU Co, LitL 103, 300.

The chapter is presided over by the dean, and acts as the council of the bishop, taking the place of the prior and convent, who acted in that capacity before the Reformation.

1 BL Com. 382. 3 Co. 75.

Bract fol.

12. 8 Steph. Com. 67.

See Dean. This word is also applied to the meetings of other religious communities when assembled for business, and sometimes to the places Trhere such meetings are held. Temtea de la ley. CawelL But these are more properly termed chapter-houses. P, Cychpcedia.