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verger

/ˈvʌrdʒər/
IPA guide

Other forms: vergers

A verger is a person who takes care of a church building and grounds but isn't a member of the clergy. A verger can also lead religious ceremonies, in a behind-the-scenes kind of way.

The term verger usually refers to a member of an Anglican church who takes on extra duties, planning details of services and sometimes participating in religious processions. The word verger comes from the ceremonial staff or rod that the verger carries during these processions — in Old French, a verge is a "twig, branch, or wand of office." The word stems from the Latin virga, "shoot, rod, or slender stick."

Definitions of verger
  1. noun
    a church officer who takes care of the interior of the building and acts as an attendant (carries the verge) during ceremonies
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    type of:
    caretaker
    a custodian who is hired to take care of something (property or a person)
    church officer
    a church official
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