vestrywoman

9.9

A woman who is a member of the group that helps run a church

noun
/ˈvɛstrɪˌwʊmən/

: mujer del consejo parroquial

As the first vestrywoman in her parish, she brought new perspectives to the church council.

Examples

Three vestrywomen were elected to oversee the refurbishment of the church building.
The vestrywoman suggested organizing a fundraiser for the local food bank.
The vestrywoman organized the church fundraiser.
Many vestrywomen attended the annual meeting.
As the first vestrywoman in her parish, she brought new perspectives to the church council.
The vestrywoman suggested organizing a fundraiser for the local food bank.
Three vestrywomen were elected to oversee the refurbishment of the church building.

Synonyms

vestryman

vsvestrywoman

1 9.9

A man who helps run a church and its activities

is used for female holders rather than male ones

churchwoman

vsvestrywoman

1 6.5

A woman who works in or helps with church services and activities

is specific to holders of a church governing office rather than general participants

Surface Forms

vestrywoman singular

vestrywomen plural

Morphology

vestrywoman = vestry + woman (semi-transparent) = vestry + woman

The compound 'vestry'+'woman' is compositionally clear, but understanding depends on knowing the specialized noun 'vestry', which may be unfamiliar to many learners.

Etymology

The word vestrywoman combines vestry, meaning the church room for priests' clothes, and woman. Vestry comes from the old Latin vestis, meaning 'garment', the same root as English vest, and because the church council met in that room, a vestrywoman is a woman who is a member of that church council.