tithingmen

The tithingmen were the ancient conservators of the peace, and were chosen annually as late as 1834; after that date their duties devolved upon the constables.

The Bay State Monthly — Volume 1, No. 2, February, 1884 Various

To the tithingmen, Verily wryly muttered, "Did that sound like a curse to you?"

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

It was the tithingmen who kept the work of the courts to a minimum.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

The tithingmen looked to their rods and switches, which they used to goad the runners, but none moved toward the two victims.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

So the tithingmen hunted fruitlessly in the woods and meadows, trying to find the girl whose voice they had heard, until finally they gave up and headed into town to try to find out which child was missing and organize a search.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

"We're tithingmen of the witch court of Cambridge," they said.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

"And if you refuse to help me, I'll go straight to the tithingmen myself."

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

Why was the Unmaker coming out in the open with the tithingmen?

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

When the door opened, Reverend Study and the tithingmen found her sitting on a side chair, her eyes closed, her hands clasped in her lap, the classic pose of the soul who refused to be touched by the evils of the world.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998

As a couple of tithingmen helped Purity stagger toward the courthouse, she whimpered when she came near Verily.

Heartfire Card, Orson Scott 1998