avverger

An avverger is a historical term used primarily in France to describe a person who acts as a funeral executor or collector during the early modern period, particularly from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The role of an avverger involved overseeing certain aspects of the funeral procession and ensuring proper conduct during the funeral rites. They were often responsible for gathering the necessary funds, organizing the burial arrangements, and sometimes supervising the funeral procession itself.

The position of avverger was typically a paid or voluntary role, sometimes held by a trusted community member or a person associated with local authorities or religious institutions. The responsibilities could vary depending on local customs and the social standing of the individual performing the duties. In some cases, avvergers played a role in maintaining order during funeral ceremonies, especially in large towns or cities where the procession might be lengthy or complex.

Historically, the term and function of avverger have become less common with the development of modern funeral practices and changes in local governance and religious customs. Today, the role is largely obsolete, but the term persists in historical and genealogical contexts, often encountered in records or descriptions of funeral arrangements in early modern France.

In summary, an avverger was a medieval and early modern figure responsible for managing certain funeral-related activities, reflecting historical practices related to death, community involvement, and social organization in France.