Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHAP'I-TER, n. [Fr. chapiteau; It. capitello; L. capitellum, from caput, a head. This is a different word for capital.]

1. The upper part or capital of a column or pillar. [Obs. See Capital.]
2. That which is delivered by the mouth of the justice in his charge to the inquest. – Encyc.