E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Beadle.
A person whose duty it is to bid or cite persons to appear to a summons; also a church servant, whose duty it is to bid the parishioners to attend the vestry, or to give notice of vestry meetings. (Anglo-Saxon, bædel, from beodan, to bid or summon.)
