steeplejack etymology

Etymology

The word "steeplejack" is derived from two Middle English terms:

• Steeple: A tall, slender tower on a church or other building
• Jack: A man who does odd jobs, especially one who climbs to high places

Meaning

A steeplejack is a person who climbs and works on tall structures, particularly church steeples. They are skilled in various tasks, including:

• Repairing and maintaining buildings
• Installing lightning protection systems
• Inspecting and repairing chimneys
• Cleaning windows and gutters
• Erecting scaffolding

Origin

The need for steeplejacks arose during the Middle Ages when churches and other tall buildings became common. These structures required regular maintenance and repair, but the heights made it dangerous for most people to work on them. Specialized craftsmen emerged who possessed the skills and courage to climb and work on these structures safely.

The term "steeplejack" first appeared in written records in the 15th century and has been in continuous use since then. The profession of steeplejacking has a rich history and has played a vital role in preserving and maintaining our architectural heritage.

steeplejack relate terms

• Jack

  Etymology Derived from the Middle English name Jakke a vernacular form of the Mediev

• Jack

  Etymology Derived from the Middle English name Jakke a vernacular form of the Mediev

• jackdaw

  Etymology Old English cawe Middle English cawe Origin The word jackdaw is thought

• steeple

  Etymology The word steeple comes from the Old English word stepel which means a po

• steep

  Etymology The word steep comes from the Old English word stēap which means high

• goal

  Etymology The word goal derives from the Old French word gole meaning throat or

• stamina

  Etymology and Meaning The word stamina comes from the Latin word stamina meaning war

• concert

  Etymology The word concert comes from the Middle French word concerto which in turn c

• patsy

  Etymology Middle English Patsye Pet form of Patricia Latin for nobleman s daughter

• hectic

  Etymology The word hectic comes from the Greek word hektikos which means habitual

• dedication

  Etymology The word dedication comes from the Latin word dedicatio which means a set

• persevere

  Etymology French persévérer Latin perseverare Prefix per through Verb severa

• siren

  Etymology The word siren is derived from the ancient Greek word σειρήν seirēn

• agony

  Etymology Greek ἀγωνία agōnia Meaning Contest struggle painful distr

• conscience

  Etymology From Middle French conscience knowledge from Latin conscientia knowled