lector

American  

[lek-ter] / ˈlɛk tər /

noun

1. a lecturer in a college or university.

2. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a member of the next to lowest-ranking of the minor orders.

   2. the order itself.

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lector British  

/ ˈlɛktɔː, ˈlɛktərɪt /

noun

1. a lecturer or reader in certain universities

2. RC Church

   1. a person appointed to read lessons at certain services

   2. (in convents or monastic establishments) a member of the community appointed to read aloud during meals

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Other Word Forms

• lectorate noun
• lectorship noun

Etymology

Origin of lector

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin: a reader, equivalent to leg ( ere ) to read + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Padilla suggested volunteering as lectors in Masses across the Orange diocese.

From Los Angeles Times

Caveat lector, especially if you’re a lector who wants to read only about the history of Microsoft: The subtitle is there to remind us that this book covers Bill Gates’ childhood, upbringing and secondary education.

From Los Angeles Times

Caveat lector: Failing to peruse this list of July releases may result in a severe deficit of variety in your vacation reading.

From Los Angeles Times

They performed in the worship band, served as lectors and ushered people during the ash ceremony.

From Los Angeles Times

Both were lectors at church — Leo in Spanish, Leonard in English.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• lecturer
• preacher
• public speaker