beadsman

[ beedz-muh n ]

/ ˈbidz mən /

a person who prays for another as a duty, especially when paid.

an inmate of a poorhouse; almsman.

Origin of beadsman

1200–50; bead's man man of prayer; replacing Middle English bedeman. See bead, 's¹, man¹

Henry followed the beadsman, who hurried on towards Falconcleugh.

Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland |Various
What can be better touched than the figures of the beadsman and the old nurse Angela?

Life of John Keats |Sidney Colvin
A beadsman was an inmate of an almshouse who was bound to pray for the founders of the house.

English Narrative Poems |Various
Henry's silence was probably meant as a quickener of the beadsman's garrulity.

Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland |Various

From the title "Sir" being applied to Henry's beadsman, it seems that he was a priest, and we learn that he received 40s.

The Privy Purse Expenses of King Henry VIII from November MDXXIX, to December MDXXXII |Nicholas Harris Nicolas

beadsman

/ (ˈbiːdzmən) /

a person who prays for another's soul, esp one paid or fed for doing so

a person kept in an almshouse