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sacristain

sacristan

noun sah-krees-TAN Rare
People & Society Religion

Origin: From Medieval Latin sacristanus, from sacrista 'keeper of sacred objects'.

Also means

church caretaker

Usage Note

Sacristain is the person responsible for the care of a church's sacristy, sacred vessels, vestments, and the building itself. In smaller French parishes the role may overlap with that of a bedeau (beadle). The place where the sacristain works is the sacristie (f). The profession is niche but still exists in French Catholic communities.

Examples

"Le sacristain prépare l'autel avant la messe."

Natural Translation

The sacristan prepares the altar before mass.

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