verger

[ vur-jer ]

noun

1. Chiefly British. a church official who serves as sacristan, caretaker, usher, and general attendant.
2. British. an official who carries the verge or other symbol of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary.

verger

/ ˈvɜːdʒə /

noun

1. a church official who acts as caretaker and attendant, looking after the interior of a church and often the vestments and church furnishings
2. an official who carries the verge or rod of office before a bishop, dean, or other dignitary in ceremonies and processions

Word History and Origins

Origin of verger¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; verge ¹, -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of verger¹

C15: from Old French, from verge, from Latin virga rod, twig

Example Sentences

For years, he remained as Canon Sacrist, planning services and managing the vergers and servers, while living in a cathedral townhouse.

From BBC

"I send my deepest condolences to the families of the verger who died in this terrible attack," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter.

From BBC

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter: "I send my deepest condolences to the families of the verger who died in this terrible attack."

From BBC

A short walk away, in the calm surroundings of the 15th Century St James's Church, I find verger Dale Walker.

From BBC

Mr Major, now head verger at Hull Minster, was one of eight cooks onboard the Type 21 frigate.

From BBC