BEADLE

v an officer in a university, who precedes public processions of officers and students.

2. beadle ·v a messenger or crier of a court; a servitor; one who cites or bids persons to appear and answer;

— called also an apparitor or summoner.

3. beadle ·v an inferior parish officer in england having a variety of duties, as the preservation of order in church service, the chastisement of petty offenders, ·etc.