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beadle

noun
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bea·​dle | \ ˈbē-dᵊl How to pronounce beadle (audio) \

Definition of beadle

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

First Known Use of beadle

1581, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for beadle

Middle English bedel messenger, from Old English bydel; akin to Old High German butil bailiff, Old English bēodan to command — more at bid entry 1

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“Beadle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beadle. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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