lay reader

American  

noun

Anglican Church.

1. a layperson authorized by a bishop to conduct certain parts of a service.

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lay reader British  

noun

1. Church of England a person licensed by a bishop to conduct religious services other than the Eucharist

2. RC Church a layman chosen from among the congregation to read the epistle at Mass and sometimes other prayers

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Etymology

Origin of lay reader

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

It’s telling that while Mr. Deakins takes pains to praise his longtime gaffer, key grip, dolly grip, best boy and more, he never bothers to define those roles for the lay reader.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the historian or biographer, such details are inescapably important; for the lay reader, they can become wearisome.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Allen’s easy explanation—of this and myriad other topics—opens fields of study lay readers might not otherwise have dared venture into.

From The Wall Street Journal

When it dives deep into the scoring itself, it’s a musicological feast that even tin-eared lay readers can appreciate.

From The Wall Street Journal

A lay reader may find this wordy description difficult to grasp.

From The Wall Street Journal