Definition

1. Noun:
   • The residence of a clergyman, especially in the Presbyterian Church: A house provided for a minister to live in, often as part of their official position.
   • A large and imposing house: A substantial, dignified, and often impressive residence.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new minister and his family moved into the church manse last week.
  • The old Victorian building was more than just a house; it was a grand manse overlooking the valley.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Contextual Usage: The term is strongly associated with Protestant denominations in Scotland and other parts of the UK, where it specifically denotes the house provided for a parish minister.
  • The manse has been the home of the parish minister for over two centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Mansion (n): A very large, impressive house. This is the more common modern term for the "large house" meaning of "manse."
  • They built a mansion on the hill.

Synonyms

• Parsonage (n): The residence provided for a member of the clergy, especially in Anglican contexts.
• Vicarage (n): The residence of a vicar.
• Rectory (n): The residence of a rector.
• Mansion (n): A large, stately house.

Noun

1. the residence of a clergyman (especially a Presbyterian clergyman)
2. a large and imposing house