Definition of "beadles" [beadles]

• Plural form of beadle. (noun)

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• "I have some of ’em in Limbo Patrum, and there they are like to dance these three days; besides the running banquet of two beadles, that is to come."
• "For medieval German Jews, the community as a whole or paid beadles were responsible for burial, and communal alms were given to the sick."
• "Thomas Dekker: At length a blind bear was tied to the stake, and instead of baiting him with dogs, a company of creatures that had the shapes of men and faces of Christians (being either colliers, carters, or watermen) took the office of beadles upon them, and whipped Monsieur Hunks till the blood ran down his old shoulders."