sacristan

noun

sac·​ris·​tan ˈsa-krə-stən 

: 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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sacristan

noun

sac·​ris·​tan ˈsak-rə-stən 

1

: a church officer in charge of the sacristy

2

: sexton