apparitor

[riversideresearch]

Hi has anyone ever come across an occupation 'apparitor', I have come across a male who has a general occupation as a clothes dealer and a weaver at various times. On one census however, he is referred to as an apparitor any ideas?!

There is a dictionary definition of an 'official' either ecclesiastical or civil attached to a court, but this seems unlikely in this context.   

[Evie]

Hi

I agree with your definition, but as a clothes dealer etc it does seem strange. Have you seen the original image, could it have something to do with apparel? If you tell me the reference number I will have a look.

Evie

[riversideresearch]

Hi Evie

The original image is quite clear and easily readable, I did wonder whether it may be a case of the Enumerator trying to show off his 'knowledge' and making up a word to describe a clothes dealer which roughly described someone who sold apparell!

[Mark1973]

There's a description in this link, fits the court side again tho

http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/a.html

[riversideresearch]

Hi

Yes it is very strange, I have had the local studies centre have a look to see if there are any minor officials which match his name, there was a suggestion somewhere else that it could be someone who was akin to a beadle, but nothing was found unfortunately.

Thank you for your interest.

[Evie]

Hi Evie

The original image is quite clear and easily readable, I did wonder whether it may be a case of the Enumerator trying to show off his 'knowledge' and making up a word to describe a clothes dealer which roughly described someone who sold apparell!

Quite possible, especially if he is down as an apparitor in between clothes dealer and weaver rather than at the first or last census when he could have changed careers. However, I wouldn't like to say yes for sure.

A few more opinions needed, in case someone has come across this in their own research.

Evie

[geniecolgan]

I think the term may have applied to someone who made and/or supplied clothing for a specific purpose for example; clerical vestments, civil dress, academic robes and uniforms.

[Raphael]

Hi Evie

The original image is quite clear and easily readable, I did wonder whether it may be a case of the Enumerator trying to show off his 'knowledge' and making up a word to describe a clothes dealer which roughly described someone who sold apparell!

Quite possible, especially if he is down as an apparitor in between clothes dealer and weaver rather than at the first or last census when he could have changed careers. However, I wouldn't like to say yes for sure.

A few more opinions needed, in case someone has come across this in their own research.

Evie

Hi! Evie.
Apparitor I always understood to be an agent of a court. mostly related to Ecclesiastical Law, but also could be an official to serve a summons on someone

APPARATOR or APPARITOR, eccles. law. An officer or messenger employed to serve the process of the spiritual courts in England.

Kind Regards
Raphael
UK & Germany.