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Definition 2024

beadsman ‎(plural beadsmen)

(historical) A petitioner; someone who seeks some type of favour from another, usually from a superior.
A man employed in praying; especially one who prays for another.
(historical, England) A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, and required to pray for the soul of its founder; an almsman.
- Fuller
  Whereby ye shall bind me to be your poor beadsman for ever unto Almighty God.
(Scotland, historical) A public almsman; one who received alms from the king, and was expecyed in return to pay for the royal welfare and that of the state; a licensed beggar.