CHANTRIES Meaning and
Definition
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Chantries, in historical context, refer to small chapels or altars within a church that were established for the special purpose of daily masses and prayers for the souls of specific individuals, often the founders or benefactors of the chantries. The term "chantry" originates from the Latin word "cantaria," meaning "singing" or "chanting," illustrating the connection between these dedicated places of worship and the reciting of religious chants.
Chantries were typically endowed through a legal process, in which a patron would donate land, property, or funds to maintain a priest or priests to perform the religious services. These chapels or altars were commonly found in medieval churches and cathedrals and were typically adorned with ornate decorations and furnishings, including sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows.
The primary purpose of chantries was to ensure the spiritual well-being of the deceased who were commemorated by the prayers and masses. Often, the souls of the benefactors, their families, or specific individuals were prayed for, with the intention of reducing their time spent in Purgatory—a transitional period in Catholic belief before entering heaven.
During the English Reformation in the 16th century, chantries were abolished under Henry VIII's rule, as part of the dissolution of monasteries and religious institutions. This action aimed to diminish Catholic influence and assert state control over religion, thus altering the role and presence of chantries in churches.
Overall, chantries were once common features in medieval religious establishments, serving as spaces for the perpetual worship and remembrance of departed souls through the offering of prayers and masses.
Common Misspellings for CHANTRIES
- xhantries
- vhantries
- fhantries
- dhantries
- cgantries
- cbantries
- cnantries
- cjantries
- cuantries
- cyantries
- chzntries
- chsntries
- chwntries
- chqntries
- chabtries
- chamtries
- chajtries
- chahtries
- chanrries
Etymology of CHANTRIES
The word "chantries" has its origins in the Middle English term "chaunterie". It was derived from the Old French word "chante(r)", meaning "to sing" or "to chant". In medieval times, "chaunterie" referred to a chapel or an altar in a church where specific prayers or chants were regularly performed or sung. These chapels were often endowed with lands or funds for the purpose of sustaining the choir or supporting priests to perform these religious rituals. Over time, "chaunterie" evolved into "chantrie(s)", retaining its original meaning in the context of religious establishments.
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