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Glite Dictionary
dominie

dominie

9.9
A person in Scotland who teaches at a school or leads a church
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : dominio
  • The dominie led the Sunday service, sharing wisdom and guidance with the congregation.

Examples

  • In the small village, the esteemed dominie was beloved by all the children for his engaging lessons.

  • Believe me, madam, if I were only a doctor, I'd undertake this operation at once, but I'm more dominie than doctor.

    The Body Snatcher (1945)

  • I saw you turn pale when the Dominie spoke of those in peril at the far ends of the earth.

    Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

  • Many villagers relied on the dominie for advice, trusting his knowledge and experience.

Synonyms

schoolmaster
vsdominie
  • UK
11 5.5

A male teacher who is often the head of a school

is broader, covering both clergy roles and school teaching in older use
mater
vsdominie
  • Archaic
3 9.9

A school teacher in old British English

also denotes a clergyman in older Scottish or historical usage
vic
vsdominie
  • UK
1 9.9

A priest who is in charge of a local church

is older and can refer to teachers as well as priests in Scotland
dominus
vsdominie
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A clergyman in charge of a parish

is also an old term that can mean a school teacher in Scotland
domine
vsdominie
  • Archaic
9.9

An old word for a person who leads a Christian church, like a minister

also applies to school teachers as well as clergymen in Scotland
dominee
vsdominie
  • South African
9.9

A Christian minister who leads church services and gives advice, often in South Africa

is also used historically for school teachers, notably in Scotland
rect
vsdominie
  • UK
9.9

A church leader in charge of a local church or the head of a college

is older and also covers school teachers, not only ecclesiastical titles

Surface Forms

dominie singular
dominies plural

Etymology

The word dominie comes from the Latin dominus, meaning 'lord' or 'master', and later from the Dutch dominee, meaning 'minister'. That's why a dominie was a respected schoolmaster or clergyman in Scotland, a village 'master' or leader.