1. A teacher or lecturer at a university who is not a regular faculty member.
2. A lecturer or tour guide in a museum or cathedral.
3. Someone who is a knowledgeable guide; especially, someone who conducts visitors through a museum and delivers a commentary on the exhibitions.

Unlike professors, docents may not actively take part in senior administrative duties; such as, heading a department.

In addition, their stay at the university may be intermittent, whereas professors have permanent positions. Instead of a monthly salary, docents are paid lecturing fees and/or "piece wages".

Things that hurt, teach.