First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
chaplain
noun chap·lain \ˈcha-plən\
: a priest or other Christian religious leader who performs religious services for a military group (such as the army) or for a prison, hospital, etc.
Full Definition of CHAPLAIN
1
: a clergyman in charge of a chapel
2
: a clergyman officially attached to a branch of the military, to an institution, or to a family or court
3
: a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as at a meeting of a club or society)
4
: a clergyman appointed to assist a bishop (as at a liturgical function)
— chap·lain·cy \-sē\ noun
See chaplain defined for English-language learners
See chaplain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHAPLAIN
Middle English chapelein, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cappellanus, from cappella
Other Christian Religious Terms
Rhymes with CHAPLAIN
CHAPLAIN Defined for Kids
chaplain
noun chap·lain \ˈcha-plən\
Definition of CHAPLAIN for Kids
: a member of the clergy who performs religious services for a special group (as the army)
Learn More About CHAPLAIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: chaplain in ordinaryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chapiterAll Words Near: chaplain
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chaplain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).