Chaplain
/ˈtʃæp.lɪn/noun
A member of the clergy attached to an institution such as a hospital, military unit, school, or royal household.
Did you know?The word traces back to the Latin *cappa* (“cloak”), because early French rulers guarded St. Martin’s cloak as a holy relic in a special chapel, and the priest there became the *cappellānus*—literally the cloak-keeper.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
cappella
“A small cloak or cape; later, a shrine or sanctuary associated with St. Martin’s cloak.”
Late Latin
Latin
cappellānus
“A keeper or custodian of the sacred cloak; later, a priest attached to a chapel or court.”
Old French
OF
chapelein
“A clergyman attached to a private chapel or household.”
Middle English
English
chaplayn
“A priest assigned to a chapel, household, or retinue.”
Modern English
English
chaplain
“A member of the clergy serving in a non-parish setting such as an institution or military unit.”