beadle
|bead-le|
/ˈbiːdəl/
minor messenger / ceremonial officer
Etymology
'beadle' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bydel', where the root meant 'messenger' or 'herald'.
'beadle' changed from Old English 'bydel' to Middle English forms such as 'bedel' or 'bedel(e)' and eventually became the modern English word 'beadle'.
Initially it meant 'messenger or herald', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'a minor parish or ceremonial officer'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a minor parish or church official who performs various subordinate duties such as keeping order, ushering, or making announcements during services.
The beadle announced the start of the morning service.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a ceremonial official in some institutions (such as universities or guilds) who performs processional or minor ceremonial duties, often carrying a mace or staff.
At the graduation ceremony a beadle carried the mace at the head of the procession.
Synonyms
Noun 3
historically or archaically, a summonsing officer or town crier — a messenger or minor civic official.
In medieval records the beadle often acted as the town crier.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/18 08:10