chamberdeacon

kawy commented on the word chamberdeacon

"Term of obscure origin, probably derived from the Medieval Latin phrase in camera degentes, 'living in a chamber.' (...A)n impoverished fifteenth-century Irish scholar, or one preparing to take 'minor orders' (such as would be necessary for a minister's assistant) who haunted English universities, particularly Oxford, without actually belonging to a college or residence hall. Sometimes called 'bedders,' they supported themselves by performing domestic services for well-to-do scholars, and reputedly augmented their incomes in less honest ways." -Forgotten English

January 30, 2012