from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Churchwarden \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.
[1913 Webster]
2. A clay tobacco pipe, with a long tube. [Slang, Eng.]
[1913 Webster]
There was a small wooden table placed in front of
the smoldering fire, with decanters, a jar of
tobacco, and two long churchwardens. --W. Black.
[1913 Webster]
from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
CHURCH-WARDEN. An officer whose duties are, as the name implies, to take
care of, or guard the church.
2. These officers are created in some ecclesiastical corporations by
the charter, and their rights and duties are definitely explained.In
England, it is said, their principal duties are to take care of, 1. the
church or building; 2. the utensils and furniture; 3. the church-yard; 4.
matters of good order concerning the church and church-yard; 5. the
endowments of the church. Bac. Ab. h.t. By the common law, the capacity of
church-wardens to hold property for the church, is limited to personal
property. 9 Cranch, 43.