noun
- a person, typically poor or elderly, hired or supported by a charitable institution to pray for the soul of a benefactor or donor
Usage: archaic; historical; chiefly British
Examples
- The wealthy merchant endowed a chapel and hired several beadmen to recite prayers daily.
- In medieval times, beadmen were common fixtures in almshouses throughout England.
- The beadman's primary duty was to offer spiritual intercession for his patron's eternal rest.
- Local beadmen gathered in the church each morning to fulfill their devotional obligations.