Jastrow: חַזָּן

חַזָּן, חָזָן m. (חזי) superintendent, officer; 1) (school) governor superintending children at their studies. Sabb. I, 3 הח׳ רואה וכ׳ on Friday night the governor may look in where the children read, but must not read himself. —2) (in collegiate debates) one who announces the order of proceedings, crier, janitor &c. Y. Ber. IV, 7ᵈ top אמרו לר׳ זינון הח׳ וכ׳ they said to R. Zinon the ḥazan, ‘Say, Commence’ (the debate)! —3) (in synagogue) superintendent at prayer-meetings, giving the signals for responses, assigning seats &c., sexton. Succ. 51ᵇ וח׳ הכנסת וכ׳ and the sexton stood upon it with the flag in his hand. Yoma VII, 1; Sot. VII, 8. —4) (in court) crier, sheriff (collecting the votes, executing punishment). Macc. III, 12. Y. Sot. VII, 21ᵈ top.—Pl. חַזָּנִים, (חֲזָ׳) חַזָּנִין. Tam. V, 3 (Temple sextons).—Tosef. Snh. IX, 1 הח׳ קורין וכ׳ the criers call out each judge’s name (to take his vote); Y. ib. V, end, 23ᵃ חַזָּנֵי כנסיות. Macc. 23ᵃ אין מעמידין ח׳ וכ׳ we must appoint as constables (for punishing) men of lesser physical strength &c. Sabb. 56ᵃ