fossor

[ fos-er ]

noun

1. (in the early Christian church) a minor clergyman employed as a gravedigger.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fossor¹

1850–55; < Latin: digger ( Late Latin: gravedigger), equivalent to fod ( ere ) to dig + -tor -tor, with dt > ss

Example Sentences

The young Greek knelt at the old man's feet, then rose and kissed his hand, and followed in silence the fossor Hilarus.

From Project Gutenberg

Although rich, the fossor was keenly bargaining, as they came up, with a wealthy and miserly leather-merchant.

From Project Gutenberg

Several Christians were standing near the principal inspector of the tombs, the fossor.

From Project Gutenberg

In size and color they are like fossor, but the skulls are intermediate.

From Project Gutenberg

John Fossor, made prior of Durham in 1342, inserted the large window in the north transept and the west windows of the nave.

From Project Gutenberg