[see -WARD.] Towards the church. (Originally to church-ward.)
1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. V. 146. And carieþ him to chircheward his schrift forte telle. Ibid. (1393), C. VII. 351. And kayres hym to-kirke-ward.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 108/1. Comyng doun in to the chyrche ward.
1842. Laing, Notes Trav., 324. All walking silently churchwards.
1870. Hawthorne, Eng. Note-Bks. (1879), I. 74. It is a pity we have no chime of bells, to give the churchward summons at home.
Mod. The churchward view. Flocking churchward.