rectory etymology

Etymology

The word "rectory" has its roots in Latin and French.

• Latin:
  • rectus (meaning "straight, upright")
  • +-oria* (suffix indicating a place or institution related to the root word)
• French:
  • rectorie (late 13th century)

Meaning

A rectory is:

• The official residence of a rector, the priest in charge of an Anglican parish
• The benefice or parish served by a rector
• The house or building where the rector conducts parish business

Origin

The concept of a rectory as a priest's residence can be traced back to the early Christian church. In the Roman Catholic Church, the bishop's residence was known as the "episcopium." Similarly, in the Anglican Church, the priest's residence became known as the "rectory."

Over time, the term "rectory" evolved to refer not only to the priest's residence but also to the parish or benefice under the priest's care. In some cases, the rectory may also house parish offices or other church facilities.

rectory relate terms

• rector

  Etymology Latin rector meaning ruler or director Meaning A chief administr

• residence

  Etymology Middle English from Old French residence from Latin residēntia a remainin

• precipitate

  Etymology Late Latin praecipitat praecipitatus past participle of praecipitare to h

• blight

  Etymology Middle English blīte from Old English blīht joyful cheerful gracious

• resent

  Etymology The word resent comes from the Latin verb resentire which means to feel a

• praise

  Etymology of Praise Origin Old French preisier 12th century Relation to Other Lan

• commodity

  Etymology The word commodity is derived from the Latin term commoditas which means

• empty

  Etymology The word empty comes from the Middle English word emty which in turn is d

• sustain

  Etymology Latin sustinēre to hold up sustain endure Proto Indo European steh₂

• draconian

  Etymology Draconian comes from the Latin word dracō meaning dragon or serpent

• brother

  Etymology The word brother is derived from the Proto Indo European root bhrāter mea