Archchaplain

/ɑrkˈtʃæpləɪn/ noun

Definition

The chief chaplain; the principal religious officer serving a royal court, military, or institution.

Etymology

From arch- (chief) + chaplain (from Latin cappellanus, originally referring to a priest guarding Saint Martin's cape at a shrine). The archchaplain was the highest-ranking chaplaincy position. This hierarchical title emerged in medieval court structures.

Kelly Says

Every king and army had chaplains (priests to handle spiritual stuff), but the archchaplain was basically the spiritual CEO—in charge of all the other chaplains and the monarch's eternal soul. No pressure, right?

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