noun

chaplain

CHAP-lin/ˈtʃæplɪn/

A clergy member serving an institution, military unit, or organization.

The chaplain listens beside the patient's hospital bed.

A hospital chaplain wearing a clerical collar sits beside a patient’s bed, offering attentive spiritual support in a quiet, minimal hospital setting.

Etymology

A chapel minister also served private religious needs, especially in great households. That role broadened to clergy attached to institutions such as military units and prisons rather than to an ordinary parish.

In context

Storytime Haven100:23

Bread and water for six weeks from now to the Feast of Saint Benedict, with a daily exhortation from our chaplain, the pious Father Ambrose, may still avail to bend the stiff neck

Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

A military chaplain visited the unit.
Several chaplains served the hospital.
She asked to speak with a chaplain.

Forms

chaplain · chaplains

Similar words

minister: Usually serves a congregation rather than a particular institution.
counselor: Offers guidance without necessarily a religious role.