lay reader

noun

, Anglican Church.

1. a layperson authorized by a bishop to conduct certain parts of a service.

lay reader

noun

1. Church of England a person licensed by a bishop to conduct religious services other than the Eucharist
2. RC Church a layman chosen from among the congregation to read the epistle at Mass and sometimes other prayers

Word History and Origins

Origin of lay reader¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

For simplicity and clarity for the lay reader, we chose to exclude employers’ share of payroll taxes and limit our comparison to taxes directly paid by our household.

From ProPublica

Waking at Dawn two single thoughts consumed her,—the Lay Reader, and the humpiest of the express packages downstairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the Lay Reader had not received such a laughing But even to herself she did not say just what she was laughing at.

From Project Gutenberg

Then "Bertrand the Lay Reader" relaxed in an indisputably genuine gasp of astonishment.

From Project Gutenberg

It was astonishing how a man as broad-shouldered as the Lay Reader could pass so easily through a crack.

From Project Gutenberg

Even with her eyes closely bandaged Flame could see perfectly clearly that the Lay Reader was really quite troubled.

From Project Gutenberg