[Of Scotch origin.] The groomsman or ‘friend of the bridegroom’ at a wedding. So Best maid Sc., the bridesmaid or chief bridesmaid.
1814. Discipline, III. 21 (Jam.). Mr. Henry was the best man himself.
1823. Eliza Acton, St. Johnstoun, III. 90 (Jam.). The two bridegrooms entered, accompanied each by his friend, or best man, as this person is called in Scotland.
1861. S. Lysons, Claudia & Pudens, 170. Whether they had any bridesmaids; whether there was a best man.
