Bedesman, Beadsman n. (pl. bedesmen) A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, and required to pray for the soul of its founder; an almsman. "Whereby ye shall bind me to be your poor beadsman for ever unto Almighty God."
... I sadly sit in homely cell, I'll teach my saints this carol for a song: Blest be the hearts that wish my sovereign well! Cursed be the souls that think to do her wrong! Goddess! vouchsafe this aged man his right To be your beadsman now, that ... — Strange Pages from Family Papers • T. F. Thiselton Dyer
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