verger

[vur-jer]

noun

Chiefly British. a church official who serves as sacristan, caretaker, usher, and general attendant.

British. an official who carries the verge or other symbol of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary.

Origin of verger

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at verge¹, -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for verger

Historical Examples of verger

The verger scratched his head, and looked doubtfully at Henry Dunbar.
Henry Dunbar
M. E. Braddon
We light our candles and follow the verger down the stone steps.
The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 25, January 1893
Various
The verger was in the choir, putting the books in order, and making all ready for the service.
Poppy's Presents
Mrs O. F. Walton
"Yes, sir; his Lordship is here every Sunday when he is at the palace," said the verger.
Is He Popenjoy?
Anthony Trollope
"But not here," he added, hearing the clank of the verger's keys.
The Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton, Part 1 (of 10)
Edith Wharton

British Dictionary definitions for verger

verger

noun mainly Church of England

a church official who acts as caretaker and attendant, looking after the interior of a church and often the vestments and church furnishings

an official who carries the verge or rod of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary in ceremonies and processions

Word Origin for verger

C15: from Old French, from verge, from Latin virga rod, twig

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for verger

c.1400, probably from Anglo-French *verger, agent noun from verge (see verge (n.)).