beadle

British official whose function has had many variations. In Saxon England, the beadle called householders to the moot (an assembly of freemen). After the Norman Conquest the beadle was an officer both of the manor and of the church, but gradually developed into a parish constable. The university bedels, once important functionaries, now figure in official processions.

At Oxford University there are four bedels, the junior being the vice-chancellor's attendant and mace-bearer. At Cambridge University there are two bedels, called esquire bedels, who bear maces before the vice-chancellor.

In the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland the beadle attends on the minister when divine service is being held.