Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BEDE(S)MAN, BEADSMAN, n. [bid(z)mɑn]
1. A pauper; also known as a Blue-Gown. Blue-Gowns received alms from the Kings of Scotland in return for which they were expected to pray for King and State.Sc. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIV. 270–271:
There are some bedemen who . . . receive meal and money, which give a very comfortable subsistence.Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary xxxvii.:
Me, that am the King's beadsman.Bnff. 1888 Trans. Bnffsh. Field Club 45:
The lands of Findochty still pay the bedemen 8s. 1¼d. sterling yearly.Abd. 1877 W. Alexander North. Rural Life in 18th Cent. xxi.:
Apart from the privileged bede[men], or blue gown men . . . there was a more generally diffused class of beggars.
2. A dependent.Sc. 1819 Scott Bride of Lamm. xxiv.:
Ye shall hear . . . how far I am bund to be bedesman to the Ravenswoods.
