chapter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtʃaptə/

noun

  • 1a main division of a book, typically with a number or title: we will deal with this in chapter eleven
  • an Act of Parliament numbered as part of a session’s proceedings.
  • a section of a treaty: a majority voted for the inclusion of the social chapter in the treaty
  • 2a distinctive period in history or in a person’s life: the people are about to begin a new chapter in their history
  • a series or sequence: the latest episode in a chapter of problems
  • 3the governing body of a religious community or knightly order: land granted by the Dean and Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral
  • 4chiefly North American a local branch of a society: a leaflet was issued by the local chapter of the American Cancer Society
  • a local group of Hell’s Angels.

Phrases

chapter and verse

an exact reference or authority: she can give chapter and verse on current legislation

a chapter of accidents

British a series of unfortunate events: the whole affair has been a chapter of accidents from start to finish

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum, diminutive of caput 'head'