infirmer

Infirmer is a historical term for a person who tends to the sick within a monastery, convent, or other religious community, and, by extension, the official in charge of an infirmary. In such settings, the infirmer supervised the care of ill monks or nuns, managed medicines and supplies, and often directed other lay nurses who assisted in the infirmary. The infirmary itself was a designated space within the religious complex where the sick received treatment and rest, sometimes located near the chapel to provide spiritual comfort.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from Latin infirmarius, via Old French and medieval forms, related to infirmus meaning weak or ill. The term infirmer is now largely archaic in English; modern equivalents include infirmarian (the administrator of the infirmary) and simply nurse or caregiver.

Historical role: in medieval and early modern monasteries, the infirmer played a central role in daily life, ensuring basic medical care, preparing herbs and remedies, maintaining records of treatments, and coordinating with visiting physicians or apothecaries. The duties could blend medical care with spiritual duties, such as offering prayers or providing consolation to the sick. In larger religious houses, the infirmary operation was an important logistical function, supporting both residents and guests.

Modern context: today the term infirmer is rarely used in English. The functions described are carried out under titles such as infirmarian, nurse, medical attendant, or hospital administrator, within contemporary infirmaries or hospital wards. The word survives mainly in historical writings or in cognate forms in other languages.

See also: infirmary, infirmarian, monastery, hospital, apothecary.