Also 9 epistoller. [ad. F. epistolier, ad. L. epistolāris, f. epistola EPISTLE.]

1

  1.  A letter-writer; = EPISTLER 1.

2

1637.  Abp. Williams, Holy Table, 136. Whether the Epistoler likes it or no.

3

1648.  C. Walker, Hist. Independ., I. 112. A Preamble of great respect and love born to him by the Epistoler.

4

1880.  Saintsbury, in Academy, 10 July, 20. Or in those [letters] written by epistolers of recognised fame.

5

1881.  Sat. Rev., 9 July, 41/2. These two great epistolers and speakers.

6

  2.  Eccl. One who reads the ‘epistle’ in the Communion Service; = EPISTLER 2.

7

1530.  Palsgr., 217/1. Epystoler at the masse.

8

1671.  H. Stubbe, Reply, 30. But when a greater Man then this Epistoler made me the like Threat, I laugh’d thereat.

9

1732.  Neal, Hist. Purit., I. 202. The principal ministers shall wear a Cope, with Gospeller, and Epistoler.

10

1859.  Lit. Churchm., V. 69/2. To act as gospeller, epistoler, deacon, subdeacon, [etc.].

11

1862.  J. Skinner, Lett., in Life, xi. (1884), 210. I gospeller, Serjeant epistoller.

12