sexton
|sex-ton|
/ˈsɛkstən/
church caretaker
Etymology
'sexton' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'sacristanus', where 'sacrista-' referred to the sacristy (a room for sacred vessels/vestments) and the suffix '-anus' indicated an agent or person associated with it.
'sexton' changed from Middle English forms (such as 'sexten'/'sexton'), influenced by Anglo-Norman/Old French adaptations of Medieval Latin 'sacristanus', and eventually became the modern English word 'sexton'.
Initially it meant 'keeper of the sacristy' (sacristan), but over time it broadened to mean 'church caretaker' including care of the building, graveyard, and sometimes ringing the bells.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a church officer charged with the maintenance of the church buildings, churchyard, and sometimes the bells; a church caretaker.
The sexton cleaned the churchyard every autumn.
Synonyms
Noun 2
historically, the sacristan or keeper of the sacristy (the room where sacred vessels and vestments are kept).
In medieval records he is described as the sexton who looked after the sacristy.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/13 13:35