PASSERAT (John), a celebrated professor of eloquence in the royal college of Paris, and one of the politest writers of his time, was born at Troyes in the province of Champagne, in 1534. He spent three years in studying the law under the famous Cujacius at Bourges, where he became professor of eloquence in 1572. He was an indefatigable student, passing frequently whole days without eating a morsel; yet to an extraordinary erudition he joined an uncommon politeness of manners and pleasantry, having nothing of the mere scholar except the gown and hood. He gained the esteem of the kings Charles IX. Henry III. and of all the men of wit and learning in his time. He died in 1602, and left several admired works behind him.