churchwarden

[ church-wawr-dn ]

noun

1. Anglican Church. a lay officer who looks after the secular affairs of the church, and who, in England, is the legal representative of the parish.
2. Episcopal Church. a lay church officer who, with other members of the vestry, is in charge of the temporal management of the parish.
3. a long-stemmed clay pipe for smoking.

churchwarden

/ ˌtʃɜːtʃˈwɔːdən /

noun

1. Church of England Episcopal Church one of two assistants of a parish priest who administer the secular affairs of the church
2. a long-stemmed tobacco pipe made of clay

Word History and Origins

Origin of churchwarden¹

1400–50; late Middle English chirche wardeyn

Example Sentences

He subsequently served as Churchwarden and was active in many other Church offices.

From Project Gutenberg

Field's name is found in the St Botolph's parish books from 1657 to 1668, and in 1660 he was churchwarden.

From Project Gutenberg

I think a good likely girl, and a parish child of St. Bride's, of honest parentage, and recommended by the churchwarden.

From Project Gutenberg

And feeding high, and living soft,Grew plump and able-bodied; Until the grave churchwarden doff'd,The parson smirk'd and nodded.

From Project Gutenberg

I am sure that Mr. ——, the churchwarden, will be glad to accommodate you with a seat in his gig.

From Project Gutenberg