Chapter

Chapter, a body of ecclesiastical persons in a cathedral church, consisting of canons (formerly known as prebendaries), whereof the Dean is the head, all subordinate to the Bishop, to whom they act as a council of assistants in matters relating to the Church for the better ordering and disposing the things thereof. The Dean and Chapter formerly assisted the Bishop in the ruling and government of the diocese in the time of vacation. The members of the College of Arms, that is, the king's heralds and pursuivants, are said to hold a chapter when they confer on the business of their office, and in like manner chapters of the Order of the Garter are held.