a sect of heretics, who chastised and disciplined themselves with whips, in public.

The feet of the Flagellantes had its rise at Perufa, in the year 1260. Its author was one Rainier, a hermit. It was in all probability no more than the effect of an indiscreet zeal. A great number of persons of all ages made processions, walking two by two, with their shoulders bare, which they whipped, till the blood ran down, in order to obtain mercy from God, and appease his indignation against the wickedness of the age. They were then called the devout: and having established a superior, he was called the general of the devotion.

Women did not appear in these public assemblies; though they practised the same severities; but it was in private, and in their own houses.

In the middle of the 14th century, the feet of the Flagellantes was restored, on occasion of a great mortality, and spread itself into all parts of Europe.

The bishops and magistrates at length found it necessary to put a stop to their excesses. The writers and preachers disputed against it; but the Flagellantes remained unshaken against all they could say: so that of a number of, perhaps, innocent well-meaning zealots, pride, obstinacy and schism converted them into a dangerous feet. They held, that the blood thus spilt was mixed with that of Jesus Christ; and that by a flagellation of 24 days they gained the pardon of all their sins.

Clement VI. forbade all public flagellations. Gerfion wrote an express treatise against public flagellations.