Definition of "chantry" [chant•ry]

• Ecclesiastical An endowment to cover expenses for the saying of masses and prayers, usually for the soul of the founder of the endowment. (noun)
• Ecclesiastical An altar or chapel endowed for the saying of such masses and prayers. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Between the chancel and the chantry is the large tomb covering the remains of Thomas Fiennes, second Lord"
• "The chantry was a foundation with endowment, the proceeds of which went to one or more priests carrying the obligation of singing or saying Mass at stated times, or daily, for the soul of the endower, or for the souls of persons named by him."
• "Strictly speaking, the chantry is the endowment, and in some cases it was attached to an existing chapel in which other Masses were commonly celebrated."