sidesman

English

Etymology

Corruption of synod's man.

Noun

sidesman (plural sidesmen)

1. An assistant to a churchwarden, one of whose duties is to collect offerings during a service.
   • 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 187:

     By the 17th century churchwardens, now assisted by sidesmen, were overseeing parish taxes (with the parish clerks), controlling the stocks and whipping posts, and organising relief for the poor and for wayfarers.

Synonyms

• questman (obsolete)

Anagrams

• Daensism, Seidmans