sacristan

Definition

The person who maintains the sacristy and the sacred objects it contains.

Etymology

From French sacristain, Late Latin sacrista, from Latin sacer. Doublet of sexton.

Example Sentences

• "And hence the custom and law began That still at dawn the sacristan, Who duly pulls the heavy bell, Five and forty beads must tell Between each stroke"
• "[…] every evening as the temple was closed for the night the sacristan paused: "Pindar to supper with the god!" he cried."
• "The church was looked after by an old sacristan who lived in a cottage on the shore of the lake."

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