Churchreeves

Church-reeves (from greefa, a steward) are church-wardens, officers chosen to maintain order during divine service and as trustees of the church goods and furniture. In Spain they are called operarii, and in France marguilliers: (meriglerii), from the marel, or token of lead, which was given by them to the priests who attended service, as a qualification for receiving payment. They appear as melinglerii at Cefalu, Catania, and Monte Regale.