rural dean

noun

1. a cleric ranking just below an archdeacon, in charge of an archdeaconry.

rural dean

noun

1. a clergyman having authority over a group of parishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of rural dean¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

The daughter of a Rural Dean, she appeared at her best when seated, having rather short legs.

From Project Gutenberg

The office of penitentiarius or of rural dean was often held by one of them.

From Project Gutenberg

He was not a rural dean, nor an archdeacon, and his visit to Hailey Compton had nothing to do with the church.

From Project Gutenberg

Would his churchwardens, his rural dean, his archdeacon, or his bishop?

From Project Gutenberg

"It is customary to leave that to the rural dean," said Mr. Chadwick.

From Project Gutenberg