Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Choir
Choir
,Noun.
[OE.
quer
, OF. cuer
, F. chœur
, fr. L. chorus
a choral dance, chorus, choir, fr. Gr. [GREEK], orig. dancing place; prob. akin to [GREEK] inclosure, L. hortus
garden, and E. yard
. See Chorus
.] 1.
A band or organized company of singers, especially in church service.
[Formerly written also
quire
.] 2.
That part of a church appropriated to the singers.
3.
(Arch.)
The chancel.
Choir organ
(Mus.)
, one of the three or five distinct organs included in the full organ, each separable from the rest, but all controlled by one performer; a portion of the full organ, complete in itself, and more practicable for ordinary service and in the accompanying of the vocal choir.
– Choir screen
,
Choir wall
(Arch.)
, a screen or low wall separating the choir from the aisles.
– Choir service
, the service of singing performed by the choir.
T. Warton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Choir
CHOIR
, n.1.
A collection of singers, especially in divine service, in a church.2.
Any collection of singers.3.
That part of a church appropriated for the singers, separated from the chancel and the nave. In congregational and some other churches, the singers are placed in certain seats in the galleries.4.
In nunneries, a large hall adjoining to the body of the church, separated by a grate, where the nuns sing the office.