circuit-rider
Definition
Noun: - Itinerant preacher: A "circuit-rider" is a minister, especially in the Methodist Church in the United States historically, who travels regularly through a designated area (circuit) to preach and conduct religious services.
Usage Examples
- (An itinerant preacher traveling to isolated communities.)
- (Ministers who rode between congregations.)
Advanced Usage
- "to ride circuit": the action of traveling to multiple locations to perform duties.
- The young minister began to ride circuit across three counties. (He started traveling to preach in different areas.)
Variants and Related Words
- Circuit (n): a regular journey or route, especially for religious or legal purposes.
- His circuit covered over 200 miles of rough terrain. (The area he traveled regularly.)
- Rider (n): a person who rides a horse or other animal.
- The circuit-rider was a skilled rider who knew the trails well. (A person who travels on horseback.)
Synonyms
- Itinerant preacher: a traveling minister who moves from place to place.
- Missionary: a person sent on a religious mission, often to spread faith in new areas.
- Evangelist: a preacher who travels to share the gospel.
Related Idioms
- "to go on a circuit": to travel a fixed route for work or duty.
- The judge went on circuit to hear cases in rural towns. (The judge traveled to different locations to hold court.)