Part 238

5. The collective body of Christians.

6. Any body of worshipers; as, the Jewish church; the church of Brahm.

7. The aggregate of religious influences in a community; ecclesiastical influence, authority, etc.; as, to array the power of the church against some moral evil.

Remember that both church and state are properly the rulers of the people, only because they are their benefactors. Bulwer.

&fist; Church is often used in composition to denote something belonging or relating to the church; as, church authority; church history; church member; church music, etc.

Apostolic church. See under Apostolic. -- Broad church. See Broad Church. -- Catholic or Universal church, the whole body of believers in Christ throughout the world. -- Church of England, or English church, the Episcopal church established and endowed in England by law. -- Church living, a benefice in an established church. - - Church militant. See under Militant. -- Church owl (Zo÷l.), the white owl. See Barn owl. -- Church rate, a tax levied on parishioners for the maintenance of the church and its services. -- Church session. See under Session. -- Church triumphant. See under Triumphant. -- Church work, work on, or in behalf of, a church; the work of a particular church for the spread of religion. -- Established church, the church maintained by the civil authority; a state church.

Church, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Churched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Churching.] To bless according to a prescribed form, or to unite with in publicly returning thanks in church, as after deliverance from the dangers of childbirth; as, the churching of women.

Church"-ale` (?), n. A church or parish festival (as in commemoration of the dedication of a church), at which much ale was used. Wright. Nares.

Church"-bench` (?), n. A seat in the porch of a church. Shak.

Church"dom (?), n. The institution, government, or authority of a church. [R.] Bp. Pearson.

Church"go`er (?), n. One who attends church.

Church"go`ing, a. 1. Habitually attending church.

2. Summoning to church.

The sound of the churchgoing bell. Cowper.

Church"-haw` (?), n. [Church + haw a yard.] Churchyard. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Church"ism (?), n. Strict adherence to the forms or principles of some church organization; sectarianism.

Church"less (?), a. Without a church. T. Fuller.

Church"like` (?), a. Befitting a church or a churchman; becoming to a clergyman. Shak.

Church"li*ness (?), n. Regard for the church.

Church"ly, a. Pertaining to, or suitable for, the church; ecclesiastical.

Church"man (?), n.; pl. Churchmen (#). 1. An ecclesiastic or clergyman.

2. An Episcopalian, or a member of the Established Church of England. "A zealous churchman." Macaulay.

3. One was is attached to, or attends, church.

Church"man*ly, a. Pertaining to, or becoming, a churchman. Milman.

Church"man*ship, n. The state or quality of being a churchman; attachment to the church.

Church" modes` (?). (Mus.) The modes or scales used in ancient church music. See Gregorian.

Church"ship, n. State of being a church. South.

Church"ward`en (?), n. 1. One of the officers (usually two) in an Episcopal church, whose duties vary in different dioceses, but always include the provision of what is necessary for the communion service.