Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SACRIST, n. Also †saccarist. Sc. usage: in Aberdeen University, the chief porter or custodian and mace-bearer. There are two sacrists, one at King's and one at Marischal College, which were orig. separate universities. [′sɑkrɪst]Abd. 1732 Rec. Old Abd. (S.C.) I. 256:
Robert Gordon, Saccarist in the King's College.ne.Sc. 1826 Aberdeen Censor 210:
Enrolled as a student in divinity, by paying six shillings to the sacrist of Marischall College and a moiety to the library.Abd. 1865 G. MacDonald Alec Forbes xxxv.:
A long broom which the sacrist had been using to clear foot-paths.Abd. 1962 Abd. Univ. Review (Autumn) 311:
They enter the Hall in procession, in double file, headed by the Sacrists of King's and Marischal Colleges (without maces), wearing purple-coloured gowns and tricorne hats.Abd. 2001 Order of Ceremony for Aberdeen University Graduation Jul :
Following the National Anthem, please remain standing while the Chaplain pronounces the Benediction and the academic, civic and graduate processions leave the Hall, led by the Sacrists. The inclusion of the new graduates in these processions symbolises their membership of the University community.