THE ANTIQUITIES OF SELBORNE 265 



Item 23d. He bids them distribute their pittances, 

 "pitancias" l regularly on obits, anniversaries, festivals, 

 &c. 



Item 25th. All and every one of the canons are hereby 

 inhibited from standing godfather to any boy for the future, 

 "ne compatres alicujus pueri de cetero fieri presumatis," 

 unless by express license from the bishop obtained; be- 

 cause from such relationship favour and affection, nepotism, 

 and undue influence, arise, to the injury and detriment 

 of religious institutions. 2 



Item 26th. The visitor herein severely reprimands the 

 canons for appearing publicly in what would be called in 

 the universities an unstatutable manner, and for wearing of 



boots, " caligae de Burneto, et sotularium in ocrearum 



loco, ad modum sotularium." 3 



It is remarkable that the bishop expresses more warmth 

 against this than any other irregularity; and strictly enjoins 

 them, under pain of ecclesiastical censures, and even im- 

 prisonment if necessary (a threat not made use of before), 



1 Pitancia, an allowance of bread and beer, or other provision to any pious 

 use, "especially to the religious in a monastery, c., for angmentation of their 

 commons." Gloss, to Kennefs Par. Antiq. [G. W.] 



2 The relationship between sponsors and their god-children, who were called 

 spiritual sons and daughters, was formerly esteemed much more sacred than at pre- 

 sent. The presents at christenings were sometimes very considerable : the con- 

 nexion lasted through life, and was closed with a legacy. This last mark of attention 

 seems to have been thought almost indispensable : for, in a will from whence no 

 extracts have been given, the testator left every one of his god-children a bushel 

 of barley." Sir John Callum's Hist, of Hawsted. [G. W.] 



" D Margareta filioe regis primogenitae, quam jUiolam, quia ejus in baptismo 

 compater fuit, appellat, cyphum aureum et quadraginta libras, legavit." Arch- 

 bishop Parker de Antiquitate Eccles. Brit, speaking of Archbishop Morton. 

 [G. W.] 



3 Du Fresne is copious on caliga of several sorts. "Hoc item de Clericis, 

 presertim beneficiatis : caligis scacatis (chequered) rubeis, et viridibus publice 

 utentibus dicimus esse censendum." Statut. Eccles. Tutel. The chequered boots 

 seem to be the highland plaid stockings " Burnetum, i.e. Brunetum^ pannus 

 non ex lana nativi coloris confectus." " Sotularium, i.e., subtalaris, quia sub 

 taio est. Peculium genus, quibus maxime Monachi nocte utebantur in restate ; in 

 hyeme vero Soccis." 



This writer gives many quotations concerning Sotularia^ which were not to be 

 made too shapely ; nor were the caliga to be laced on too nicely. [G. W. ] 

 VOL. II. 2 L 



