(Anglo-Saxon: bydel, a messenger) An inferior officer of the Anglican Church whose prototype, in the Catholic Church, was the mansionarius (of or belonging to a dwelling or lodging), and possibly an officer known as the paramonarius (watcher or guard), by some, however, interpreted as bailiff. Under Gregory the Great the beadle was called also custos ecclesire (guardian of the church), whose duty it was to light the lamps or candles therein, a survival of which is seen in the French suisse or church officer or usher who has the privilege of remaining covered during the elevation.
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