Definition

A person who works for a church, taking care of its property and performing tasks like ringing bells and digging graves.

Example

The sexton prepared the church for the Sunday service by cleaning and setting up the altar.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about what a sexton really does?

Not really, but I know they take care of the church, right?

Yeah, they also ring the bells and sometimes dig graves.

That sounds like a lot of responsibility for one person!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sexton → It originates from Old French *sexton*, which comes from Latin *sextarius* (meaning sixth), referring to the sixth part of a measure, and *secare* (meaning to cut). The term evolved to describe a person responsible for the care of a church and its grounds, often involved in burial duties, thus linking to the idea of 'cutting' or 'digging' graves.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person who 'cuts' or 'digs' graves, which connects to the role of a sexton in caring for church grounds and handling burials.

Visually Confused Words