What does rectory mean?
A rectory is the official residence of a rector, particularly the priest or cleric responsible for an Anglican parish. The term may also have referred historically to the office, rights, and income belonging to a rector, as distinct from the building itself. Rectories commonly stand close to the church they serve and are traditionally associated with a parish living, which could include an official residence and other benefits. Today, the word remains familiar in Britain and in older American usage, although many clergy describe their home as a vicarage or parsonage instead. Its principal interest is historical and ecclesiastical: the word preserves the vocabulary of parish administration and the older organization of Anglican communities. It should not be confused with repository, a place in which objects or information are kept.
nounThe official residence of a rector, especially in an Anglican parish. Historically, the term could also refer to the rector's office or the rights and income attached to it.
- The residence of a rector, especially in an Anglican parish.
- The office, rights, or income belonging to a rector.
"The rectory stands beside the parish church and provides accommodation for the local rector."
"The old rectory has been converted into a conference centre."
"The benefice included the rectory and a small group of surrounding parishes."
The plural is rectories, with the stress remaining on the first syllable.
"Several historic rectories have been converted into private homes."
A rectory puts the word "ruler" at the heart of the word: both rector and direction ultimately come from the same Latin root.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rectory come from?
The word comes through medieval English from Latin rector, meaning "ruler" or "governor." Latin rector was formed from regere, "to rule or direct," the same root found in cognates such as director and regent. In medieval ecclesiastical Latin, rector became the title of a parish cleric with responsibility for a church or community; the English word initially developed the related sense of an office and its income before becoming established for the residence attached to that office.
Related word forms
How rectory is actually used
The word is especially associated with Anglican and other Christian ecclesiastical settings. In British usage it can refer both to the building housing the rector and, historically, to the office and property attached to the living; American usage more often emphasizes the building that serves as the rector's residence.
Easily confused with rectory
A rectory is a rector's residence, whereas a repository is a place where records, objects, or funds are stored.