Main Entry:

bea·dle

Pronunciation:

\ˈbē-d^əl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English bedel messenger, from Old English bydel; akin to Old High German butil bailiff, Old English bēodan to command — more at bid

Date:

1581

: a minor parish official whose duties include ushering and preserving order at services and sometimes civil functions