beadsman
Americannoun
plural
beadsmen-
a person who prays for another as a duty, especially when paid.
-
an inmate of a poorhouse; almsman.
noun
-
a person who prays for another's soul, esp one paid or fed for doing so
-
a person kept in an almshouse
Etymology
Origin of beadsman
1200–50; bead's man man of prayer; replacing Middle English bedeman. See bead, 's 1, man
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The kind care of Austin, the beadsman, had restored him to health and strength.
From The Prose Marmion A Tale of the Scottish Border by Jenkins, Sara D.
"Ye're no the first nor the hundredth that has put that question to the beadsman," replied the other, as he looked up with a side-glance in the face of the questioner.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 7 by Various
In a few minutes, the door was opened by the beadsman.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 7 by Various
One of a class of paupers or pensioners, or licensed beggars, in Scotland, to whim annually on the king's birthday were distributed certain alms, including a blue gown; a beadsman.
From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah
The night was passed by the inmates of Riddlestain with fearful forebodings, and next morning, and during a part of the day, Henry expected a secret visit from the beadsman.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 7 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
