Meaning & Definition of word "Sexton"

Sexton

/ˈsɛkstən/

1. A church officer responsible for the maintenance of the church property and the care of the churchyard, often involved in the ringing of bells and sometimes also performing duties such as burying the dead.
- Example: The sexton rang the bell to signal the start of the Sunday service.
2. A person who assists in the management of a church, including overseeing services and church events.
- Example: The sexton helped organize the wedding ceremony, ensuring all details were handled smoothly.
3. In some contexts, a sexton may also refer to someone responsible for the care of a graveyard or cemetery.
- Example: The sexton took pride in maintaining the beauty of the cemetery, ensuring that all flower arrangements were fresh.
4. Traditionally, the term may also refer to a person employed to ring church bells.
- Example: As the sexton, he had the important task of ringing the bells to signal the arrival of special feast days.

From Middle English 'sexton', from Old French 'sacristain', from ecclesiastical Latin 'sequestrinus' (a servant in charge of sacred things).

sexton duties:

Responsibilities associated with the role of a sexton.

sexton's role:

The specific functions and tasks performed by a sexton.

churchwarden:

An official in a church responsible for the care of the church and its property.

gravekeeper:

A person tasked with the maintenance and care of a cemetery.

Meaning: A term used informally to describe someone who has a minor role or responsibility.

Example Sentence: He's just a sexton in this project, not the lead.