A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Choir
CHOIR, often pronounced Quire. The part of the church east of the nave, in which the services are celebrated. The term is now almost restricted to cathedrals and abbey churches, 'chancel' being used for the same part of an ordinary church. 'Choir' is also used for the singers in churches of all kinds; and for the portions into which a chorus is divided when the composition is written for two, three, or any other number of 'choirs.'
[ G. ]