PRIM ICER I US

or Primmicerius , defined by Suicer as “ qui in primâ cerâ hæres script us,” one who is designated as the principal heir. Hence it came to signify one who presided over any particular department; the chief notary, for instance, was called πριμμικήριος νοταρίων : and so the chief reader, the chief chanter, ., in great churches. It is the title of a dignitary in several Italian cathedrals, and is supposed to answer to our chancellor; a name not used in Italy as that of a cathedral officer. The precentor of Aberdeen cathedral was anciently called Prim icer i us, as Kennedy states in his Annals of Aberdeen .