Capitulars

/kəˈpɪt.jə.lərz/ noun

Definition

Members of a cathedral chapter; clergy who participate in the governance and administration of a cathedral.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin 'capitularis' (relating to a chapter), used as a noun to denote the members themselves. These were the individual canons who made up the chapter's voting body.

Kelly Says

A cathedral's capitulars were like a council of wise elders—they could overrule a bishop's decisions on major matters, and their approval was needed for selling church land or appointing new clergy!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.