verger

[vur-jer]

noun

1. Chiefly British.,  a church official who serves as sacristan, caretaker, usher, and general attendant.

2. British.,  an official who carries the verge or other symbol of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary.

verger

/ ˈvɜːdʒə /

noun

1. a church official who acts as caretaker and attendant, looking after the interior of a church and often the vestments and church furnishings

2. an official who carries the verge or rod of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary in ceremonies and processions

Word History and Origins

Origin of verger¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; verge ¹, -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of verger¹

C15: from Old French, from verge, from Latin virga rod, twig

Example Sentences

For years, he remained as Canon Sacrist, planning services and managing the vergers and servers, while living in a cathedral townhouse.

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"I send my deepest condolences to the families of the verger who died in this terrible attack," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter.

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Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter: "I send my deepest condolences to the families of the verger who died in this terrible attack."

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A short walk away, in the calm surroundings of the 15th Century St James's Church, I find verger Dale Walker.

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Mr Major, now head verger at Hull Minster, was one of eight cooks onboard the Type 21 frigate.

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