parson

noun

par·​son ˈpär-sᵊn How to pronounce parson (audio)
1
: rector
2
: clergyman
especially : a Protestant pastor

Examples of parson in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Writing in the eighteenth century, Smith compared energetic and often sensationalist Methodist preachers with the more reserved and cerebral parsons of the Church of England. Shadi Hamid, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024 The other is her violent stepfather, who, in this version, is also the church’s parson (Steven Pasquale). Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 His living room included an antique Japanese screen hanging on a white wall above a leather banquette with pillow sable heads mounted on silver pedestals and a parsons table. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2023 The stranger asked to see Patrick, but after he was informed that the parson was ill in bed, the encounter took an unsettling turn. V.m. Braganza, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for parson 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parson.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English persone, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin persona, literally, person, from Latin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parson was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near parson

Cite this Entry

“Parson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parson. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

parson

noun
par·​son ˈpärs-ᵊn How to pronounce parson (audio)
1
: a minister in charge of a parish
2
: a member of the clergy
especially : a Protestant pastor
Etymology

Middle English persone "parson," from early French persone (same meaning), from Latin persona, literally, "person"; so called because the parson was the legal "person" representing the church

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