sacristan

noun

sac·​ris·​tan ˈsa-krə-stən How to pronounce sacristan (audio)
: a person in charge of the sacristy and ceremonial equipment
also : sexton

Examples of sacristan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The trail led to a small chapel renowned among art historians for its haunting fresco of the Dance of Death, although the sacristan, Sonja Šestan, opens it at irregular hours. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022 José Antonio Conde, a kind of church caretaker called a sacristan, was trying to find the key on a recent evening. New York Times, 2 Jan. 2022 Unité SGP Police said the man was a sacristan at the basilica. Bloomberg.com, 29 Oct. 2020 Dane Miller, a sacristan, then offered prayers for the sick as well as for President Trump, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Liam Stack, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2020 Smith's photo is right there, in a frame, recognizing him for his dedicated service as the church sacristan. Author: Julie Zauzmer, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sacristan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin sacristanus, from Latin sacr-, sacer

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacristan was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sacristan

Cite this Entry

“Sacristan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacristan. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sacristan

noun
sac·​ris·​tan ˈsak-rə-stən How to pronounce sacristan (audio)
1
: a church officer in charge of the sacristy
2
: sexton

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