An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Pedell

by Friedrich Kluge

Pedell, m., ‘beadle, messenger of a court or council,’ first occurs in early ModHG.; from MidLat. bidellus, pedellus; bedelli universitatum is recorded in 1350. As the usher of a court of justice the word bedellus appears as early as the 13th cent., and, like its Rom. cognates (Ital. bidello, Fr. bedeau, ‘beadle’), is derived from OHG. bital, pital (MidHG. bitel), a derivative of OHG. bitten, ‘to invite, cite.’ See Büttel.