Definition of "chapter" in English

noun

1. One of the main sections into which a published work is divided, especially a book.

   • Detective novel writers try to keep up the suspense until the last chapter.

2. Certain ecclesiastical bodies (under canon law)

3. A section of a social body.

4. A meeting of a chapter of certain organized societies or orders.

5. A chapter house

6. A sequence (of events), especially when presumed related and likely to continue.

   • 1866, Wilkie Collins, Armadale, Book the Last, Chapter I, "You know that Mr. Armadale is alive," pursued the doctor, "and you know that he is coming back to England. Why do you continue to wear your widow's dress?" ¶ She answered him without an instant's hesitation, steadily going on with her work. ¶ "Because I am of a sanguine disposition, like you. I mean to trust to the chapter of accidents to the very last. Mr. Armadale may die yet, on his way home."

7. (obsolete) A location or compartment.

8. (Roman Catholicism) A prescribed reading at one of the canonical hours.

verb

1. To divide into chapters.

2. To put into a chapter.

3. (military, with "out") To use administrative procedure to remove someone.

4. (transitive) To take to task.