Obs. Also 6–7 speche-, speachman. [f. SPEECH sb.1] One who is appointed to speak for others; a spokesman.
c. 1530. in Essex Rev. (1904), XIII. 22. Who wer messyngers and spechemen for lynsell for ye obtaynyng of ye lese of Macchyng parsonage.
1559. Aylmer, Harborowe, I iv b. Thou shalt be his God and he thy specheman.
1570. B. Googe, Pop. Kingd., III. 35 b. Not seeking Mediators here, nor Speachmen for to pray.
1630. W. Scot, Apol. Narr. (1846), 167. Mr. James Melvill … was appointed to be their speechman.
fig. 1564. Becon, God’s Word & Man’s Invent., Pref., Wks. II. 388 b. Ho would … straightwaies (so that money be the Aduocate and spechman) … be more meeke and gentle than a Lambe.
