1. Plural of bedell; officers in universities (especially Oxford and Cambridge) who maintain order, deliver official notices, and perform ceremonial duties.
Usage: chiefly British; academic

Examples

• The bedells processed in their formal robes during the university ceremony.
• Oxford's bedells are responsible for enforcing academic regulations.
• The senior bedell announced the beginning of the formal dinner.
• Bedells at Cambridge wear distinctive dress and carry ceremonial maces.
• The bedells escorted the visiting dignitary through the college grounds.