apparitor

[ uh-par-i-ter ]

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a subordinate official of a magistrate or of the court.

apparitor

/ əˈpærɪtə /

noun

1. an officer who summons witnesses and executes the orders of an ecclesiastical and (formerly) a civil court

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparitor¹

1250–1300; Middle English apparitour < Latin appāritor, equivalent to appāri- (variant stem of appārēre to serve, attend, literally, to be seen; appear ) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparitor¹

C15: from Latin: public servant, from appārēre to appear

Example Sentences

The description of the Sompnour, or Ecclesiastical Apparitor, is not an inviting one.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the children stood at the door to give notice if he saw the apparitor coming, who was an officer of the spiritual court.

From Project Gutenberg

Somnour, summoner; an officer employed to summon delinquents to appear in ecclesiastical courts; now called an apparitor.

From Project Gutenberg

No wonder our wardens disclaimed all knowledge of the apparitor!

From Project Gutenberg

An apparitor tore him down, and was dragged to the ground in his turn.

From Project Gutenberg