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Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Terms

Aisle. A passage at the side of the nave.

Altar. An elevated table on which the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. Archbishop. The chief of the clergy in a whole province. Archdeacon. An ecclesiastical officer presiding over a certain number of parishes. Articles, The 39. Precise statements on various pointsof doctrines. Every clergyman is required to sign them. Baptistry. That part of the church where the font is, formerly a separate building. Benefice. A living possessing an endowed revenue.

Bishop. The highest of the three ministerial Orders. Canon. A law of the church. One who holds a cathedral stall. Cathedral. The chief church in every diocese.

Cassock. A close-fitting long garment worn both by clergy and laymen in church. Chalice. The cup containing the consecrated wine.

Chancel. The part of a church between the altar and the nave. Chapter. A society of canons who, governed by a dean, form the council of a bishop. Deacon. The lowest of the three ministerial Orders.

Dean. The first dignitary of a cathedral.

Diocese. A district under the charge of a bishop.

Eucharist. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Glebe. Land devoted to the revenue of the incumbent of a parish. Lectern. A reading desk.

Lectionary. The table of lessons.

Litany. A form of united prayer, with alternate sentences for clergy and congregation. Liturgy. The prescribed service of the church.

Mitre, Head-dress of a bishop.

Nave. The central part of a church.

Priest. The second in rank among the holy Orders.

Queen Anne's Bounty. A fund established by Queen Anne to augment poor livings. The revenue is derived from the first-fruits and tenths of all benefices, etc. Rector. A clergyman in charge of a parish who possesses all the tithes. Reredos. The screen at the back of an Altar.

Rochet. A linen vestment worn by bishops.

Rood-Screen. Separating choir from nave.

Rubric. Directions for the order of common prayer.

Stole. A long narrow scarf with fringed ends worn by priests and deacons. Surplice. A white linen garment worn over the cassock. Tithe. The tenth part of the increase of land and stock, allotted to the clergy. Vicar. The priest of a parish, of which the tithes are appropriated. Vulgate. The Latin version of the Scriptures used by the Roman Catholics. Agapemonites. Founded 1846 by Mr. Prince, formerly a clergyman of the Church of England, who claimed to be a divinely-inspired and perfect personage. Doctrine-perfect equality , perfection of holiness, etc.

Agnostics. A term applied to those who, though not professing atheism, consider that the existence of God is not proved, and therefore not to be accepted as a demonstrated truth.