chaplain

See also: Chaplain and chap'lain

English

Etymology

From Middle English chapeleyn, from Old French chapelain, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin cappellānus, from cappella. Doublet of capelin. Displaced Old English handprēost.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈt͡ʃæp.lɪn/
  • (file)

Noun

chaplain (plural chaplains)

  1. A member of a religious body who is (often, although not always, of the clergy) officially assigned to provide pastoral care at an institution, group, private chapel, etc.
    • 2021 September 8, Stefanie Foster, “Network News: Countdown is on to the National Rail Awards 2021”, in RAIL, number 939, page 19:
      The Railway Mission's regionally based chaplains perform the role of impartial 'friend' to anyone working on the railway, regardless of their faith.
  2. A person without religious affiliation who carries out similar duties in a secular context.

Derived terms

  • chaplaincy
  • college chaplain
  • domestic chaplain
  • football chaplain
  • hospital chaplain
  • lay chaplain
  • military chaplain
  • naval chaplain
  • prison chaplain
  • school chaplain
  • sports chaplain
  • street chaplain

Translations

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