Ref`er*en"da*ry (r?f`?r*?n"d?*r?), n. [LL. referendarius, fr. L. referendus to be referred, gerundive of referre: cf. F. r'ef'erendaire. See Refer.]
1.
One to whose decision a cause is referred; a referee.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
2.
An officer who delivered the royal answer to petitions.
"
Referendaries, or masters of request."
Harmar.
3.
Formerly, an officer of state charged with the duty of procuring and dispatching diplomas and decrees.
© Webster 1913.