lector

[ lek-ter ]

noun

1. a lecturer in a college or university.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. a member of the next to lowest-ranking of the minor orders.
   2. the order itself. Compare acolyte ( def 2 ), exorcist ( def 2 ), ostiary ( def 1 ).

lector

/ ˈlɛktɔː; ˈlɛktərɪt /

noun

1. a lecturer or reader in certain universities
2. RC Church
   1. a person appointed to read lessons at certain services
   2. (in convents or monastic establishments) a member of the community appointed to read aloud during meals

Derived Forms

• lectorate, noun

Other Words From

• lec·tor·ate [lek, -ter-it, -t, uh, -reyt], lector·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lector¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin: a reader, equivalent to leg ( ere ) to read + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of lector¹

C15: from Latin, from legere to read

Example Sentences

Caveat lector: Failing to peruse this list of July releases may result in a severe deficit of variety in your vacation reading.

From Los Angeles Times

They performed in the worship band, served as lectors and ushered people during the ash ceremony.

From Los Angeles Times

Both were lectors at church — Leo in Spanish, Leonard in English.

From Washington Post

At Sunday’s Mass the pope installed six women and two men as lectors and three women and five men as catechists.

From Reuters

In January, Francis changed canon law to allow women to be lectors and acolytes, giving official recognition to female service during Mass.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• lecturer
• preacher
• public speaker