In ecclesiastical law . These were originally persons whom, in the ancient episcopal synods, the bishops were wont to summon out of each parish to give informa- tion of the disorders of the clergy and people, and to report heretics. In process of time they became standing officers, under the title of “synodsmen,” “sidesnieu,” or “quest- men.” The whole of their duties seems now to have devolved by custom upon the churchwardens of a parish. 1 Burn, Ecc. Law, 399.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
