Definition of "ostiarius" [ostiarius]

• Same as ostiary. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "So also my mother brought to certain oratories, erected in the memory of the saints, offerings of porridge, bread, and wine -- as had been her custom in Africa -- and she was forbidden to do so by the doorkeeper [ostiarius]."
• "In the vestibule, or in an apartment opening upon it, the porter, _ostiarius_, usually had his seat."
• "Theoretically, the actual ringing of the bells should be performed by the ostiarius and in the conferring of this minor order the cleric is given a bell to ring, but for centuries past his functions have everywhere become obsolete, and lay bell-ringers have been almost exclusively employed."