is the same as _capsella_, the diminutive of _capsa_; thus making
_chapel_, in the first instance, "a small repository" (_sc._ of relics).
Richardson is also in favour of this etymon, notwithstanding its
harshness and insipidity. I think the common derivation (from _capella_,
diminutive of _capa_) very much preferable to any other, both on the
score of philology and of history. Ducange has quoted several passages,
all tending to evince that _capella_ (explained by the Teutonic
_voccus_) was specially applied to the famous vestment of St. Martin,
comprising his cloak and hood (not merely his _hat_, as some writers
mention). The name was then metonymically transferred to the repository
in which that relic was preserved, and afterwards, by a natural
expansion, became the ordinary designation of the smaller sanctuaries.
This derivation is distinctly affirmed by Walafred Strabo about 842, and
by a monk of St. Gall, placed by Basnage about 884. The earliest
instance where the word _capella_ is used for the vestment of St. Martin
appears to be in a "Placitum" of Theodoric, King of France, who ascended
the throne A.D. 672--"in oratorio nostro super capella Domini Martini
... hæc dibiret conjurare." In a second "Placitum," also quoted by
Ducange, of Childebert, King of France (_circa_ 695), the word _capella_
seems to mean a _sacred building_--"in oratorio suo seu capella Sancti
Marthini." And in a charter of Charles the Simple, _circ._ 900, the term
unquestionably occurs in this latter signification, disconnected from
St. Martin. Other illustrations may be seen in Ducange, who has bestowed
especial industry on the words _capa_ and _capella_.

With respect to the _legal_ definition of the modern _chapel_, I may
mention that, in stat. 7 & 8 Geo. IV. c. 29. s. 10., it signifies,
according to Mr. Stephens (_Eccl. Statutes_, p. 1357.), "a chapel where
the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England are performed, and
does not include the chapels of Dissenters." In stat. 7 & 8 Geo. IV. c.