Legal Definitions - episcopus puerorum

Definition: Episcopus puerorum (i-pis-kə-pəs pyoo-r-ər-əm) is a Latin term that means "bishop of the boys." In the history of Ecclesiastical law, it refers to a layperson who would dress up like a bishop, braid his hair, and act in a ridiculous manner on certain feasts.

Example: In England, it was a common custom for a person to dress up like a bishop on certain feasts, such as St. Nicholas Day. They would braid their hair, wear a bishop's robe, and carry a crozier. They would then go around the town, acting in a silly manner, and collecting money or gifts from people.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the term "episcopus puerorum" was used in the past. It shows that it was a custom in England for a layperson to dress up like a bishop and act in a ridiculous manner on certain feasts. The purpose of this custom was to collect money or gifts from people. Despite several laws passed to abolish this custom, it continued to exist for a long time.