epistoler
(ɪˈpɪstələ(r))
Also 9 epistoller.
[ad. F. epistolier, ad. L. epistolāris, f. epistola epistle.]
1. A letter-writer; = epistler 1.
| 1637 Abp. Williams Holy Table 136 Whether the Epistoler likes it or no. 1648 C. Walker Hist. Independ. i. 112 A Preamble of great respect and love born to him by the Epistoler. 1880 Saintsbury in Academy 10 July 20 Or in those [letters] written by epistolers of recognised fame. 1881 Sat. Rev. 9 July 41/2 These two great epistolers and speakers. |
2. Eccl. One who reads the ‘epistle’ in the Communion Service; = epistler 2.
| 1530 Palsgr. 217/1 Epystoler at the masse. 1671 H. Stubbe Reply 30 But when a greater Man then this Epistoler made me the like Threat, I laugh'd thereat. 1732 Neal Hist. Purit. I. 202 The principal ministers shall wear a Cope, with Gospeller, and Epistoler. 1859 Lit. Churchm. V. 69/2 To act as gospeller, epistoler, deacon, subdeacon, etc. 1862 J. Skinner Let. in Life xi. (1884) 210, I gospeller, Serjeant epistoller. |