chaplain
noun/ˈt͡ʃæp.lɪn/
Etymology From Middle English chapeleyn, from Old French chapelain, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin cappellānus, from cappella. Doublet of capelin. Displaced Old English handprēost.
1
A member of a religious body (who is often, although not always, of the clergy) officially assigned to provide pastoral care at an institution, group, private chapel, etc.
- The Railway Mission's regionally based chaplains perform the role of impartial 'friend' to anyone working on the railway, regardless of their faith.2021 September 8, Stefanie Foster, “Network News: Countdown is on to the National Rail Awards 2021”, in RAIL, number 939, page 19:
2
A person without religious affiliation who carries out similar duties in a secular context.
- Derived terms
- archchaplain, chaplaincy, chaplainry, chaplainship, college chaplain, domestic chaplain, football chaplain, hospital chaplain, lay chaplain, military chaplain, naval chaplain, prison chaplain, school chaplain, sports chaplain, street chaplain, unchaplained