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Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(κοπιαταί, from κοπιάω, to toil), undertakers, grave-diggers; in ancient times a subordinate class of servants of the Church and clergy, entrusted with the care of funerals and the burial of the dead. They are also called vespillones, bispellones, νεκροθάπται; also ordo fossariorum, fossores, grave-diggers; lecticarii, bearers of the bier; and collegiati, decani, collegiates and deans. The order is supposed to have been first instituted by Constantine, and in some codes they are designated clerici. — Bingham, Orig. Eccl. III, 8:1.