CAPUCHINS, religious of the order of St Francis in its strictest observance; deriving their name from capuce, or capuchon, a stiff cap, or cowl, wherewith they cover their heads. They are clothed with brown or gray; always barefooted; are never to go in a coach, nor ever shave their beard. —The Capuchins are a reform made from the order of Minors, commonly called Cordeliers, set on foot in the 16th century by Matthew Balchi, a religious observant of the monastery of Montefalcone; who, being at Rome, VOL. V. Part I.
was advertised several times from heaven, to practise the rule of St Francis to the letter. Upon this he made application to Pope Clement in 1525: who gave him permission to retire into a solitude, with as many others as chose to embrace the strict observance. In 1528, they obtained the pope’s bull. In 1529, the order was brought into complete form: Matthew was elected general, and the chapter made constitutions. In 1543, the right of preaching was taken from the Capuchins by the pope: but in 1545 it was restored to them again with honour. In 1578, there were already 17 general chapters in the order of Capuchins.