churchwarden

Everyday

1. (church) A churchwarden is a volunteer in a parish (especially Church of England and Anglican churches) who helps look after the church building, its money and services. tree →
2. (old) A long clay pipe for smoking. tree →

In the lessons

Used in church life: the churchwarden welcomes people, counts the collection, helps the vicar; in village stories.

Examples

• The churchwarden unlocked the church for the choir. tree →
• Mrs Patel is a churchwarden at St Mary's. tree →
• The churchwardens counted the collection after the service. tree →
• Each parish chooses two churchwardens. tree →
• The churchwarden helped fix the leaking roof. tree →
• Our churchwarden rings the bell on Sunday mornings. tree →

Note

One word. Not a priest: a lay (non-clergy) helper. Also written «church warden» sometimes.