Chaplain: meaning, definitions and examples
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chaplain
[ ˈʧæplɪn ]
religious context
A chaplain is a clergyman or clergywoman assigned to provide spiritual support and guidance, often in non-religious settings such as hospitals, military units, or universities. They may conduct services, offer counseling, and provide comfort to individuals in distress or crisis.
Synonyms
clergyman, minister, pastor, spiritual advisor.
Examples of usage
- The military chaplain offered support to the troops during deployment.
- She met with the hospital chaplain to discuss her spiritual needs.
- The university hired a chaplain to cater to students' emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Translations
Translations of the word "chaplain" in other languages:
🇵🇹 capelão
🇮🇳 चैपलिन
🇩🇪 Kaplan
🇮🇩 kapelan
🇺🇦 капелан
🇵🇱 kapelan
🇯🇵 チャプレン
🇫🇷 aumônier
🇪🇸 capellán
🇹🇷 papaz
🇰🇷 채플린
🇸🇦 كاهن
🇨🇿 kaplan
🇸🇰 kaplán
🇨🇳 牧师
🇸🇮 kaplan
🇮🇸 kapellan
🇰🇿 капелан
🇬🇪 კაპელანი
🇦🇿 kapellan
🇲🇽 capellán
Etymology
The word 'chaplain' originates from the Latin term 'capellanus', which meant 'one who has a cape or cloak'. This refers to the cloak of St. Martin of Tours, which was kept in a chapel (also derived from the same Latin word 'capella', meaning 'cape'). The tradition of chaplains dates back to the early Christian era, where they would perform religious services and provide support in military contexts or for various institutions. Over time, the role expanded to include various settings such as prisons, hospitals, and educational institutions, where chaplains offer guidance, comfort, and faith assistance to individuals of all backgrounds.