vestryman
Noun: A vestryman is a man who serves as a member of a church vestry. A vestry is a committee in charge of the administrative and financial affairs of a parish, particularly in Anglican and some other Protestant churches.
The term is used specifically to refer to a male member of this governing body. It denotes an official role involving responsibility for church property, finances, and parish business. * The vestryman attended the monthly meeting to review the church budget. * After years of service as a vestryman, he was well-versed in the parish's history and needs.
- The role of a vestryman is typically elected or appointed, and it carries fiduciary duties for the parish.
- Historically, the term underscores the gender-specific nature of such roles in many traditional church structures. In modern contexts, the gender-neutral term "vestry member" is often preferred.
- Vestry (noun): The committee or room where the committee meets.
- Vestry member (noun): A gender-neutral term for any person serving on a vestry.
- Churchwarden (noun): Another lay officer in a church, often working closely with the vestry.
- Church councilman
- Parish officer (in a specific, administrative sense)
This word has a very specific, institutional meaning related to church governance. It is not used in a general or figurative sense. The core concept is male membership on a parish's administrative committee.
- a man who is a member of a church vestry