kirk
/kə:k/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A Scottish church: "Kirk" specifically refers to a church in Scotland, particularly one belonging to the Church of Scotland (the national Presbyterian church). It is a term used chiefly in Scotland and Northern England.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The old stone kirk stood on the hill overlooking the village. (The old stone church stood on the hill overlooking the village.)
- They were married in the local kirk. (They were married in the local church.)
- The history of the Kirk of Scotland is complex. (The history of the Church of Scotland is complex.)
Advanced Usage
- "The Kirk" (capitalized): When capitalized, this term specifically refers to the Church of Scotland as an institution.
- He is a minister of the Kirk. (He is a minister of the Church of Scotland.)
- "kirk session": The lowest court in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, governing a local congregation.
- The matter was brought before the kirk session. (The matter was brought before the local church court.)
Variants and Related Words
- Kirkman (n, archaic): A member of the Church of Scotland; a Scots Presbyterian.
- Kirkyard (n): A Scottish word for a churchyard or cemetery surrounding a kirk.
- The ancient graves in the kirkyard. (The ancient graves in the churchyard.)
Synonyms
- Church: A building for public Christian worship. (A more general term.)
- Chapel: A place of Christian worship that is not a parish church. (Can be used in some Scottish contexts, but "kirk" is more specific to the national church.)
Related Phrases
- "Free Kirk": A historical term referring to the Free Church of Scotland, which separated from the Church of Scotland in 1843.
- His ancestors were members of the Free Kirk. (His ancestors were members of the Free Church of Scotland.)
Related Idioms
- "Lang may yer lum reek" (often associated with kirk culture): A traditional Scottish toast meaning "Long may your chimney smoke," wishing someone long life and prosperity. It is sometimes heard in contexts celebrating Scottish heritage and community, including kirk life.