from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Choir \Choir\, n. [OE. quer, OF. cuer, F. ch[oe]ur, fr. L.
chorus a choral dance, chorus, choir, fr. Gr. ?, orig.
dancing place; prob. akin to ? 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}.]
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2. That part of a church appropriated to the singers.
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3. (Arch.) The chancel.
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{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.
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