An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Mesner

by Friedrich Kluge

Mesner, m., from the equiv. MidHG. męsnœre, męssenœre, m., ‘sexton, sacristan’ (the latter connected with Messe), from late OHG. męsinâri (not messinâri), m., based on MidLat. *masinarius for mansionarius, ‘custos et conservatoraedis sacrae, aedituus, ostarius’; MidLat. mansionarius was also an official in the court of the Frankish kings (MidLat. mansio, ‘house,’ equiv. to Fr. maison). Comp. Küster and Sigrist.