doomsman

plural doomsmen · alternative obsolete domesman

1. archaichistoricalOne who renders judgement (e.g. a judge, magistrate, or arbiter); an umpire.

   The fire shall burn about the Doomsman.

   1865, original c. 1410-1420, Richard Rolle de Hampole, Richard Morris, The Pricke of Conscience (Stimulus Conscientiæ)

   3 more examples

   And the King marveled at the wisdom of the doomsman, and said to him: "Now I know that all I have heard is truth. […]"

   1890, Horace Townsend, Cedric The Nimble-Witted: The Independent, volume 42, page 28

   A doomsman might even interrupt the proceedings and point out the law.

   1925, Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester, volume 84

   Finally, although the hundred did not send doomsmen or suitors to the county court, Macclesfield men attended the sessions and acted as jurors.

   1990, Dorothy J. Clayton, The Administration of the County Palatine of Chester, 1442-1485

   Synonyms: arbitrator, justicer, referendary, judg, judge, justice, justicer, justiciar

2. rareOne who carries out a judgement or sentencing; executioner.

   At the place of execution, Dorothea begged the doomsman to tarry a little, and kneeling by the block, she raised her hands to heaven and prayed earnestly.

   1907, William Canton, A Child's Book of Saints, page 72