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Webster 1913 Edition

Tithingman

Tith′ing-man

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Tithingmen
.
1.
(O. Eng. Law)
The chief man of a tithing; a headborough; one elected to preside over the tithing.
2.
(Law)
A peace officer; an under constable.
3.
A parish officer elected annually to preserve good order in the church during divine service, to make complaint of any disorderly conduct, and to enforce the observance of the Sabbath.
[Local, U. S.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Tithingman

TI'THINGMAN

,
Noun.
[tithing and man.]
1.
The chief man of a tithing; a headborrough; one elected to preside over the tithing.
2.
A peace officer; an under constable.
3.
In New England, a parish officer annually elected to preserve good order in the church during divine service, and to make complaint of any disorderly conduct.

Definition 2024

tithingman

tithingman

English

Alternative forms

Noun

tithingman ‎(plural tithingmen)

  1. (law, historical) The chief of a tithing.
    • 1663, Hudibras, by Samuel Butler, part 1, canto 1
      [...] We that are wisely mounted higher
      Than constables, in curule wit,
      When on tribunal bench we sit,
      Like speculators, should foresee,
      From Pharos of authority,
      Portended mischiefs farther than
      Low proletarian tything-men [...]
  2. (obsolete) A ruler or leader of ten men; a decurion.
  3. (Britain, law) A peace officer; an underconstable.
  4. (US, Maryland and New England dialect, historical) A parish officer elected annually to preserve good order in the church during divine service, to make complaint of any disorderly conduct, and to enforce the observance of the Sabbath.
  5. A tithe proctor: a collector of tithes.

Synonyms

Translations

References

Etymology

tithing +‎ -man

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