lector

[ lek-ter ]

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. Compare acolyte ( def 2 ), exorcist ( def 2 ), ostiary ( def 1 ).

lector

/ 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

Derived Forms

• lectorate, noun

Other Words From

• lec·tor·ate [lek, -ter-it, -t, uh, -reyt], lector·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lector¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lector¹

C15: from Latin, from legere to read

Example Sentences

Earlier this year Pope Francis issued a decree formally allowing women to serve as lectors and acolytes in the Roman Catholic Church, roles that many women around the world have informally had for some time.

From No Straight News

Subject to caveat lector, you'll want to read the whole thing.

From The Daily Beast

Brother Pasquerel held the office of reader (lector) in his monastery.

From Project Gutenberg

Bid the sub-chancellor send out to them Thomas the lector to read unto them from the 'Gesta beati Benedicti.'

From Project Gutenberg

Lector intende; ltaberis, he says in ending his short preface, and he judged his work aright.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1822 the poet was nominated lector in Danish language and literature at Sor College, and he now married.

From Project Gutenberg

On his return from abroad in 1822 he was appointed a lector at the famous school at Sorø on the island of Sjælland.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lecturer
• preacher
• public speaker