beadsman
noun/ˈbiːdzmən/
Etymology From earlier bedeman, from Middle English bedeman (“a petitioner”), equivalent to bead (“request, petition, prayer”) + -man.
1
Historical A petitioner; someone who seeks some type of favour from another, usually from a superior.
2
A man employed in praying; especially one who prays for another.
- Good Lord Cromwell, stand my friend: exert yourself for Thomas Howard, who is your daily beadsman, your debtor for life.2020, Hilary Mantel, The Mirror and the Light, Fourth Estate, page 499:
3
England, Historical A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, and required to pray for the soul of its founder; an almsman.
- Whereby ye shall bind me to be […]your poor beadsman for ever unto Almighty God.1655, Thomas Fuller, The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, (please specify |book=I to XI):
4
Scotland, Historical A public almsman; one who received alms from the king, and was expected in return to pray for the royal welfare and that of the state; a licensed beggar.
- Related terms
- beadswoman