(Flaccus,) an ecclesiastic of the eighth century. Where he was born, is a matter of dispute; dispute; but, according to the most probable opinion, it was in Yorkshire. It is pretty certain, however, that he was educated first under Bede, and afterwards by Egbert archbishop of York, by whom he was made keeper of the library of that city (a). He thence rose to be deacon of the church, and afterwards became abbot of Canterbury. In the year 793 he went over to France, upon the invitation of Charlemagne, by whom he was greatly cared for, and amply provided for. He was not only honoured with his friendship and confidence, but became his instructor in rhetoric, logic, mathematics, and divinity. He attended him to the council of Frankfort; and, at his return, was presented with the abbeys of Ferrara, St Jodocus, and St Lupus. He retired at last to the abbey of St Martin at Tours, where he spent the latter part of his life, and died in the year 804. Doubtless, he was one of the best scholars and wisest men of his time. France was chiefly indebted to him for her improvements in literature. The universities of Paris, Tours, Fulden, Soissons, and many others, owe to him their origin and increase; and to him was owing the institution of learned academies, at least the first one * we read of was set on foot by the emperor at his instigation.

His works were collected and published by Andrew du Chesne in one volume folio, Paris, 1617. They consist of, 1. Tracts upon scripture. 2. Tracts upon doctrine, discipline, and morality. 3. Historical treatises, letters, and poems. Since this edition, there has been published an incredible number of tracts, poems, &c. ascribed to this author, most of which, in all probability, were not his.