[app. intended to express the pronunciation (ęgzaṅ) of Fr. exempt.

1

  Cf. EXAUN, occurring as a spelling of exempt in 1678; also exant (quot. 1655 below), used in the sense of EXEMPT sb. 4 a. The ‘exempts’ or ‘exons’ of the Yeomen of the Guard, according to Thoms Bk. of the Court, were first appointed in 1668.]

2

  The ordinary title of the four officers of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard, ‘styled corporals in their commissions’ (Thoms) and ranking below the ‘Ensign’; = EXEMPT sb. 4 b.

3

[1655.  in Nicholas Papers (1892), II. 354. The Court gaue Moreland (Cromwells express) two Exants of ye guards to conduct him in safety.]

4

1767.  Royal Calendar, 83. Yeomen of the Guards … Exons [4 names follow].

5

1843.  Macaulay, Ess., Mad. D’Arblay. It never occurred … to the Exons, and Keepers of the Robes, that [etc.].

6

1873.  Daily News, 19 June, 6/5. Colonel Bourke (the Exon in Waiting).

7

1891.  New Army List, 132. Yeomen of the Guard … Exons [4 names].

8