[sak-rist, sey-krist] /ˈsæk rɪst, ˈseɪ krɪst/ (Show IPA). an official in charge of the sacred vessels, vestments, etc., of a church or a religious house.
2.
a sexton.
Origin
1325-75;Middle English < Medieval Latinsacristānus, equivalent to sacrist(a) custodian of sacred objects + -ānus-an
Related forms
undersacristan, noun
British Dictionary definitions for sacristan
sacristan
/ˈsækrɪstən/
noun
1.
a person who has charge of the contents of a church, esp the sacred vessels, vestments, etc
C14: from Medieval Latin sacristānus, from sacrista, from Latin sacer holy
Word Origin and History for sacristan
n.
"officer charged with looking after the buildings and property of a church or religious house," early 14c. (late 12c. as a surname), from Medieval Latin sacristanus, from Latin sacrista, from sacer (genitive sacri) "sacred" (see sacred). Cf. sexton, which is a doublet.
Encyclopedia Article for sacristan
a sexton (q.v.) or, more commonly, the officer of the church in charge of the sacristy and its contents, such as the sacred vessels and vestments. The person may be either someone in holy orders, as is common in a cathedral, or a lay person
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