Parson
In the pre-Reformation church, a parson is the priest of an independent parish church, that is, a parish church not under the control of a larger ecclesiastical or monastic organization. The term is similar to rector and is in contrast to a vicar, a cleric whose revenue is usually, at least partially, appropriated by a larger organization.
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Famous quotes containing the word parson:
“I will have no Parsons around me but such as drink deep, ride to Hounds and caress the Wives and Daughters of their Parishioners. A Virtuous Parson does nothing to test or exercise the Faith of his Flock.”
—Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)
“‘Dear Captain Smith,’ the ghost replied, ‘you’ve used me ungenteelly.
The crowner’s quest goes hard with me because I’ve acted frailly,
And Parson Biggs won’t bury me, though I am dead Miss Bailey.’”
—George Colman (1762–1836)
“In some countries a hunting parson is no uncommon sight. Such a one might make a good shepherd’s dog, but is far from being the Good Shepherd.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)