rural dean

noun

1. a cleric ranking just below an archdeacon, in charge of an archdeaconry.

rural dean

noun

1. a clergyman having authority over a group of parishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of rural dean¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

They have church connections, and conversing with Miss Fogarty people are occasionally left with the impression that their father was a rural dean who suffered some misfortune: in fact he was a sexton.

From The New Yorker

A rural dean and rector has been suspended from his duties after he was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism.

From BBC

Dean Thrower, who is also rural dean of Hadleigh, was released on police bail until 10 October.

From BBC

The former rural dean and chaplain to the lifeboat in Hastings, East Sussex, had received counselling after an earlier attempt to end his life, the inquest was told.

From BBC

Reverend Rose Hoskins, associate vicar in West Camel and rural Dean of the area, said the whole community was "absolutely devastated".

From BBC