a. Work at the edifice of a church. Used proverbially for work that proceeds slowly. b. Church work. Work on behalf of, or in connection with, the church as an institution. So Church-worker, one engaged in church work.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 31. And dele hit wrecche monne oðer to brugge oðer to chirche weorke.
1444. Test. Ebor. (1855), II. 105. Also to the kirkwerk and for my beriall xls.
1467. Acts Parl. Jas. III. (1814), 87. A tone fraucht to the kirk werk of the toune.
1639. Fuller, Holy War (1647), 36. Contrary to the proverb, Church-work went on the most speedily. Ibid., 111. This siege was Church-work, and therefore went on slowly.
c. 1677. Marvell, Growth Popery, Wks. 1875, IV. 388. To wait for their coming from Madrid would make church-work.
1712. Addison, Spect., No. 383, ¶ 4. The fifty new Churches will very much mend the Prospect; but Church-work is slow.
1886. Pall Mall Gaz., 17 May, 5/2. Very useful to the large number of churchworkers present.
