sexton

[US]/'sekst(ə)n/
[UK]/'sɛkstən/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. someone responsible for managing church affairs, ringing bells, and digging graves.
Word Forms
Pluralsextons

Example Sentences

The sexton rang the church bells every morning.

The sexton is responsible for maintaining the church grounds.

The sexton unlocked the church doors for the service.

The sexton assisted the priest during the funeral service.

The sexton's duties include caring for the churchyard.

The sexton lit the candles before the evening service.

The sexton kept the church keys safe at all times.

The sexton wore a keyring with all the church keys.

The sexton's role is crucial for the smooth running of church activities.

The sexton assisted in preparing the church for the wedding ceremony.

Real-world Examples

The sexton walked before with an air of cold indifference.

Source: Southwest Associated University English Textbook

Martin Cannister, the sexton, was rather a favourite with Elfride.

Source: A pair of blue eyes (Part 1)

He was the sexton, too, and dug many of the graves around us'.

Source: A pair of blue eyes (Part 1)

" I must call at the sexton's about the bell, too, " said Arabella.

Source: Jude the Obscure (Part Two)

The sexton's wife waited a long time for her husband, but he did not come back.

Source: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Part 2)

If that be all, ' replied the sexton, 'he can learn that with me.

Source: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Part 2)

The sexton therefore took him into his house, and he had to ring the church bell.

Source: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Part 2)

The sexton, however, remained standing motionless that the boy might think he was a ghost.

Source: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Part 2)

And this garden, where the black mould always clings to my spade, as if I were a sexton delving in a graveyard!

Source: Seven-angled Tower (Part 2)

But they had scarcely touched the sexton when they were held fast, and now there were seven of them running behind Dummling and the goose.

Source: Grimm's Fairy Tales (Part 2)

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