Definition

1. Noun:
   • A clergyman ministering to some institution: A chaplain is a member of the clergy who provides spiritual care, guidance, and religious services within a specific secular institution, such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, or university.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hospital chaplain offered comfort to the grieving family.
  • He served as a military chaplain for over twenty years.
  • Students can speak with the university chaplain about any concerns.

Advanced Usage

• "to serve as chaplain": to hold the position or perform the duties of a chaplain.
  • She was honored to serve as chaplain to the fire department.
• "chaplaincy": the office, position, or work of a chaplain.
  • He dedicated his life to chaplaincy in the armed forces.

Variants and Related Words

• Chaplaincy (n): The office or work of a chaplain.
  • She studied theology before entering chaplaincy.
• Chapel (n): A small place of worship, often within an institution where a chaplain serves.
  • The prison chapel was built by the inmates.

Synonyms

• Clergyman/Clergywoman: A religious official, especially in a Christian church.
• Pastor: A minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.
• Spiritual advisor: A person who provides guidance on religious or spiritual matters.

Related Phrases

• "Army chaplain": A chaplain serving in the army.
  • The army chaplain held a service before the mission.
• "Prison chaplain": A chaplain providing ministry within a prison.
  • The prison chaplain organizes religious studies programs.

Related Idioms

• "A listening ear": While not an idiom exclusive to chaplains, their role is often described as providing one.
  • The chaplain was always a listening ear for the soldiers.

Noun

1. a clergyman ministering to some institution