Orig. the shrine with the cape (chapele) of St Martin of Tours kept by the kings of France. It was in the charge of a cappellani, or *chaplain, offering *sanctuary. Thus a place for private worship; also the equipment of a portable chapel. Such places were found in private houses or as side chapels in cathedrals. After the 13c such chapels were included in a cathedral's eastern walls during construction; some, long gone, are remembered in such places as Chapel St Leonards (Lincolnshire) and Whitechaple (E London). [< OldFr. chapele < Lat. capella = cape] -
Cf. Chapel of ease
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.