Dictionary

officiant en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /əˈfɪʃi.ənt/

Etymology

From Medieval Latin officiāns, present participle of officiō, officiāre (“to perform a duty or service”) (not to be confused with Classical officiō, officere (“to obstruct, hinder”)), a denominal verb from officium (“duty, service”).

Meanings

1. A person who officiates at a religious ceremony (in Christianity, at any ceremony other than the Eucharist).
   • There are moments in a witchcraft ceremony when a god is believed to enter the body of the officiant. 1965, Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic, Sydney: Horwitz Publications, page 72:
2. A person who officiates at a civil (non-religious) wedding ceremony.

Forms

Relateds

celebrant

Translations (4)

de Vorsteher (person who officiates at a religious ceremony) · de Standesbeamter (person who officiates at a civil wedding ceremony) · de Liturg (person who officiates at a religious ceremony) · mk о́бредник (person who officiates at a religious ceremony)