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Difference between Father of the chapel and Father-in-church

father of the chapel —(UK publishing and printing industries) a shop steward representing union members in negotiations, etc.:

  • My grandfather was father of the chapel at one of the big newspapers.

father-in-churchthe relative or friend who “gives away” a bride:

  • “I shall want you to stand father-in-church to this young lady,” said Geoffrey to the clerk.