chaplain
UK: ˈtʃæplɪn | US: ˈtʃæplɪn
n. a clergyman or other official attached to a private chapel, institution, ship, regiment, etc.
n. a priest or minister who provides spiritual support in a non-church setting (e.g., hospitals, military).
chaplain = chap<cloak> + lain<holder>
- chap<cloak>: Derived from Late Latin cappa (cloak), referring to the cloak of St. Martin of Tours, which was kept as a relic in a sanctuary.
- lain<holder>: From Latin -lanus (keeper), later adapted into Old French -lenc, denoting someone associated with a sacred relic or place.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the medieval tradition of clergy serving in chapels (capellani), originally guardians of St. Martin’s cloak relic (cappa). Over time, it generalized to any clergy attached to a chapel or institution, reflecting the shift from literal relic-keeping to spiritual caregiving.
The hospital chaplain offered comfort to grieving families.
A military chaplain led the prayer before the mission.
The university chaplain organizes interfaith dialogues.
She met with the prison chaplain for guidance.
The ship’s chaplain held Sunday services on deck.