Beadsmen

noun

1. A petitioner; someone who seeks some type of favour from another, usually from a superior.
2. A man employed in praying; especially one who prays for another.
3. A poor man, supported in a beadhouse, and required to pray for the soul of its founder; an almsman.
4. A public almsman; one who received alms from the king, and was expected in return to pray for the royal welfare and that of the state; a licensed beggar.