beadledom

American  

[beed-l-duhm] / ˈbid l dəm /

noun

1. a stupid or officious display or exercise of authority associated with petty officials, and historically epitomized in England’s parish beadles, who kept order in the church and the poorhouse.

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beadledom British  

/ ˈbiːdəldəm /

noun

1. petty officialdom

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Etymology

Origin of beadledom

First recorded in 1855–60; beadle + -dom

Example Sentences

Possibly it was the familiarity with divine things which synagogue beadledom involves that had bred his contempt for them.

From Dreamers of the Ghetto by Zangwill, Israel

A beadle in magnificent livery, and of an unusually civil character—for beadledom is generally a terror to our species—meets us. 

From About London by Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)

The other side of his office is slightly hinted at by the reference to assisting the Constable, and in fact it was the day duty which embraced the peculiar dignity of beadledom.

From Fragments of Two Centuries Glimpses of Country Life when George III. was King by Kingston, Alfred

If a book were not restricted to the simplest tales, or pleasing fiction ending in virtue rewarded and vice punished, that was enough; the propriety of beadledom was at once ready to bray.

From The Cathedral by Huysmans, J.-K. (Joris-Karl)

Related Words

• administration
• authority
• civil service
• management
• ministry
• red tape