Obs. (corruptly in 5 corde.) [ad. L. chor-us (see CHORUS), at different times, and app. independently, viz. in OE., ME. (in Wyclif and Caxton), and prob. again in 16th c.]
1. The choir or chancel of a church; = CHOIR 3.
a. 1100. O. E. Chron., an. 1083. Þa Frencisce men bræcen þone chor.
a. 1100. Voc., in Wr.-Wülcker, 326/37. Chorus, chor. Ibid. (a. 1200[?]), 546/43.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 158/4. The quere or chore of the lady chapel.
1638. Brathwait, Barnabees Jrnl., IV. From Campe, chore, cottage, carpet.
2. A dance, or company of dancers [L. chorus].
1382. Wyclif, Judg. xi. 34. With tymbrys and choris [cum tympanis et choris].
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 58/3. Alle the wymen folowed her with tympanes and cordes [Exod. xv. 20]. Ibid., 66/2. The wymen camen out … syngyng wyth choris and tympanes.
1647. Ward, Simp. Cobler, 28. I would Essex Ladies would lead the Chore.
3. A band, company, ‘crew’; = CHOIR 6.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 108. Not for Momus or his insensate chore.
a. 1637. B. Jonson, Underwoods (ed. Bell), 197. I number these as being of the chore of contumely.
1760. C. Johnston, Chrystal (1767), III. 172. An affair that has given our chore the deepest wound we have ever received.
4. A choir of singers; = CHOIR 2, 4.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., II. 95–6. The whole Chore of Heaven … rejoycing at the conversion of a sinner.
1680. Baxter, Answ. Stillingfl., xxxiv. 38. Their Vestments, Organs, Chore, mode of Singing.
