circuit rider

noun

1. (formerly) a minister who rode horseback from place to place to preach and perform religious ceremonies.
2. someone, as a public official or a nurse, who travels throughout a given territory to provide services.

circuit rider

noun

1. (formerly) a minister of religion who preached from place to place along an established circuit

Word History and Origins

Origin of circuit rider¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Tucker was known as a “circuit rider,” hopping between several clinics across Mississippi and Alabama.

From Seattle Times

Ann Tapscott, the great-great-great granddaughter of the Rev. Peter Cartwright, the evangelist and Methodist circuit rider, lamented the loss of small congregations, like New Salem.

From Washington Times

“The circuit rider in a lot of ways was lost,” Jason Felici said.

From Washington Post

Circuit rider ministers, who arrived by horseback, led the outdoor services.

From Washington Times

She is a chief circuit rider for liberty, spending more than 260 days a year preaching against federal government overreach.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• missionary
• pastor
• televangelist