The English language is full of words that have been used for centuries, but some of these words have become obsolete and are no longer used in modern times. One such word is bedeman. Although it is not commonly used today, it is still an interesting word to learn about. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of bedeman.
Definitions
Bedeman is an archaic term that refers to a person who is appointed to pray for the soul of a deceased person. In medieval times, it was common for wealthy individuals to appoint bedemen to pray for their souls after they died.
Origin
The word bedeman is derived from the Old English word “bede,” which means prayer, and “man,” which means a person. The word bedeman has been in use since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The word bedeman is not commonly used today, and as a result, it is not included in many modern dictionaries. However, it can be found in some older dictionaries, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, which defines it as “a man appointed to pray for the soul of a deceased person.”
Associations
Bedemen were often associated with the church and were appointed by wealthy individuals who wanted to ensure that their souls were prayed for after they died. They were also associated with funerals and were often present at the burial of the deceased.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for bedeman, including:
- Prayerman.
- Soulman.
- Soul-singer.
Antonyms
As bedeman is an archaic term, there are no specific antonyms for it. However, some opposite words that may be used in modern times include:
- Atheist.
- Non-believer.
The same root words
The word bedeman is derived from the Old English word “bede,” which means prayer. Other words that are derived from this root word include:
- Bedesman.
- Bedeswoman.
- Bede-roll.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word bedeman:
- The wealthy merchant appointed a bedeman to pray for his soul after he died.
- The bedeman led the mourners in prayer at the funeral.
- The church appointed a bedeman to pray for the souls of the deceased in the parish.
In conclusion, bedeman is an archaic term that is not commonly used in modern times. However, it is still an interesting word to learn about and is a reminder of the religious practices of the past.