A monk charged with the duty of visiting religious institutions in order to gather on a roll prayers for the soul of a recently deceased bishop, abbot, etc.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Daniel Rock (1799–1871), Roman Catholic priest and ecclesiologist.
Definition of roll-bearer in US English:
roll-bearer
noun
historical
A monk charged with the duty of visiting religious institutions in order to gather on a roll prayers for the soul of a recently deceased bishop, abbot, etc.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Daniel Rock (1799–1871), Roman Catholic priest and ecclesiologist.