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).
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