verger
Americannoun
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Chiefly British. a church official who serves as sacristan, caretaker, usher, and general attendant.
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British. an official who carries the verge or other symbol of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary.
noun
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a church official who acts as caretaker and attendant, looking after the interior of a church and often the vestments and church furnishings
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an official who carries the verge or rod of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary in ceremonies and processions
Etymology
Origin of verger
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at verge 1, -er 1
Explanation
A verger is a person who takes care of a church building and grounds but isn't a member of the clergy. A verger can also lead religious ceremonies, in a behind-the-scenes kind of way. The term verger usually refers to a member of an Anglican church who takes on extra duties, planning details of services and sometimes participating in religious processions. The word verger comes from the ceremonial staff or rod that the verger carries during these processions — in Old French, a verge is a "twig, branch, or wand of office." The word stems from the Latin virga, "shoot, rod, or slender stick."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A short walk away, in the calm surroundings of the 15th Century St James's Church, I find verger Dale Walker.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2022
Mr Major, now head verger at Hull Minster, was one of eight cooks onboard the Type 21 frigate.
From BBC ● May 21, 2022
A church verger, a strange shipboard character and romance in a sanitorium are featured in this trilogy of stories.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 24, 2020
An advantage of the verger tour is that it’s the only way to get into the tiny and ancient Edward the Confessor shrine, a raised area behind the high altar.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 10, 2019
Robin followed the verger down the corridor to the parlor, the thud of his crutches alternating with the sound of his soft shoes on the stone floor.
From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli
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