Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Kirk-bedell, -beddell, n. Also: -bed(d)all. [Bedel n.¹ 3.] A church-officer. = Kirk-officiar n. 1600 St. A. Kirk S. 939.
That the kirk beddell … sall warn all partyis complanit upon 1629 Kirkcaldy Presb. 55.
A kirk beddell or reider or a brother of the presbyterie may charge or discharge 1632 Dundonald Par. Rec. 346.
20 s. for … the kirk bedallis fey 1649 St. A. Presb. 49.
In striking ane elder and the kirk bedell in that paroch 1663 Glasgow B. Rec. III. 23.
The kirk beddelles … to carie … ane whyt staff, … for wakining thois that sleips in the kirk 1681 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS. 12 Oct.
The magistrats and counsell appoynts Cuthbert Muire to be kirk beddall and ordinar bell man