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)
People Are Reading
Origin and Etymology of chaplain
Middle English chapelein, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cappellanus, from cappella
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
CHAPLAIN Defined for English Language Learners
chaplain
playDefinition of chaplain for English Language Learners
-
: 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.
CHAPLAIN Defined for Kids
chaplain
playDefinition of chaplain for Students
: a member of the clergy who performs religious services for a special group (as the army)
Learn More about chaplain
-
See words that rhyme with chaplain Spanish Central: Translation of chaplain Nglish: Translation of chaplain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of chaplain for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chaplain
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up chaplain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!