different between churchman vs preacher

English

Etymology

From church +? man. Compare kirkman and German Kirchmann.

Noun

churchman (plural churchmen)

1. (obsolete) A churchwarden. [15th–16th c.]
2. A person (originally a man) of authority in a religious organization; a cleric. [from 16th c.]

   The bishop, a highly placed churchman, stated the religion's opinion.

3. A member or adherent of an established church, especially the Church of England. [from 17th c.]
   • 1789, Olaudah Equiano, The Interesting Narrative, vol. I, ch. 10:

     I replied, ‘I attended St. James's, St. Martin's, and St. Ann's, Soho;’—‘So,’ said he, ‘you are a churchman.’

   • 1791, Joseph Priestley, Letters to Burke, V:

     Thus they say the king of Great Britain, must maintain episcopacy in England, and presbyterianism in Scotland, whether he be a presbyterian as king William, a Lutheran as George I. or a true churchman as his present Majesty.

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English precher, prechere; partly equivalent to preach +? -er, and partly continuing Middle English prechour, prechiour, from Old French preecheor (French prêcheur), from Latin praedicator (“public praiser, proclaimer”). See preach.

Displaced native Old English bydel.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p?it???/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p?i?t???/
• Rhymes: -i?t??(?)
• Hyphenation: preach?er

Noun

preacher (plural preachers)

1. Someone who preaches a worldview, philosophy, or religion, especially someone who preaches the gospel; a clergyman or clergywoman.
   • 1859, George Meredith, The Ordeal of Richard Feverel, Chapter 10:

     The born preacher we feel instinctively to be our foe. He may do some good to the wretches that have been struck down and lie gasping on the battlefield: he rouses antagonism in the strong.

Derived terms

• preacher bench
• preacher curl
• preacheress

Translations