A person who is paid to pray for the soul of another

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Beadsman (1855–1872) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire . In a career that lasted from July 1857 to June 1858, he ran seven times and won five races. He was unbeaten as a three-year-old and recorded his most important success in the 1858 Epsom ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (lb en historic) A petitioner; someone who seeks some type of favour from another, usually from a superior. 2 A man employed in praying; especially one who prays for another. 3 (context historical England English) A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Beadsman \Beads"man\, Bedesman \Bedes"man\, n.; pl. -men . 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. --Fuller.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a person who is paid to pray for the soul of another [syn: bedesman ] [also: beadsmen (pl)]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"one who prays for another's benefit," early 13c.; see bead (n.) + man (n.).