noun
churchwarden
Churchwarden (noun) means a person, not a member of the clergy, who manages the everyday business of a Church of England parish.
noun
1
A person, not a member of the clergy, who manages the everyday business of a Church of England parish.
"At first, not knowing any better, I used sometimes to copy a nude on the pavement. The first I did was outside St Martin's-in-the-Fields church. A fellow in black—I suppose he was a churchwarden or something—came out in a tearing rage."
— George Orwell pseudonym; Eric Arthur Blair (1933)
"One important office that has survived for over 800 years is that of the churchwarden, established in the middle of the 12th century."
— AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd (1980)
2
Someone who does the same job in the Episcopal Church.
3
Short for churchwarden pipe.
"He greeted William with cordiality. "Ah, Boot, how are you? Don't think I've had the pleasure before. Know your work well of course. Sit down. Have a cigarette or"—had he made a floater?—"or do you prefer your churchwarden?""
— Evelyn Waugh (1938)
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Etymology
Comes from Middle English cherchewardeyn, chirchewardeyn, churchewardeyn, schyrsche wordeyn, equivalent to church plus warden.
Rhymes for churchwarden
See all rhymes for churchwarden →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of churchwarden?
"churchwarden" (noun) means a person, not a member of the clergy, who manages the everyday business of a Church of England parish.
What are the different meanings of churchwarden?
"churchwarden" has 3 main meanings: 1. A person, not a member of the clergy, who manages the everyday business of a Church of England parish; 2. Someone who does the same job in the Episcopal Church; 3. Short for churchwarden pipe.
