Main Entry:

sex·ton

Pronunciation:

\ˈseks-tən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English secresteyn, sexteyn, from Anglo-French segrestein, from Medieval Latin sacristanus — more at sacristan

Date:

14th century

: a church officer or employee who takes care of the church property and performs related minor duties (as ringing the bell for services and digging graves)