obedientiary
/ə(ʊ)ˌbiːdɪˈɛnʃ(ə)ri
/noun (plural obedientiaries)
The holder of a position of responsibility in a monastery or convent under a superior.The typical obedientiary rendered his final account at Michaelmas (29 September) each year, and nearly 2,000 such accounts survive, but other documents were also produced throughout the year....
- He is an obedientiary of the abbot, is appointed by him, and may be removed by him at any time.
- In 1278 Palmerio Berardi, canon and obedientiary, is responsible for executing the bishop's and chapter's warning of excommunication.
Origin
Mid 16th century (denoting a vassal): from medieval Latin oboedientiarius, from oboedientia (see obedience).