vexillatorn.

1782 T. Pennant Journey Chester to London 161 The subjects are announced in a sort of prologue, by a person called Vexillator, who probably carried a flag painted with the subject of the day, and at the same time gave out to the crowd the history it was to expect.]

1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iii. ii. 137 The prologue to this curious drama is delivered by three persons, who speak alternately, and are called vexillators.

1831 J. P. Collier Hist. Eng. Dramatic Poetry II. 155 The Chester Whitsun-plays are preceded by a kind of proclamation..made by certain Vexillators in various parts of the city.

1892 Theatre 1 July 8 Ancient Roman playgoers had to..glean their information from persons called vexillators, who were in the habit of blowing a trumpet at street corners to attract attention.

1931 Mod. Lang. Notes 46 373 The same organization occurs again and again in later works, notably in the speech of the First Vexillator in The Castle of Perseverance (ca. 1425).

2014 P. Butterworth Staging Convent. Medieval Eng. Theatre vii. 135 Expository functions are also recorded in the role of those designated vexillators.