or Burgundians, one of the northern nations who over-ran the Roman empire, and settled in Gaul. They were of a great stature, and very warlike; for which reason the emperor Valentinian the Great engaged them in his service against the Germans. They lived in tents which were close to each other, that they might the more readily unite in arms on any unforeseen attack. These conjunctions of tents they called burghs; and they were to them what towns are to us. Sidonius Apollinaris tells us, that they wore long hair, took great pleasure in singing, and were fond of praise for their vocal talents. He adds, that they ate great quantities; and anointed their hair with butter, deeming that unction very ornamental. Their crown was at first elective, and the authority of their kings expired with their successors. They were not only accountable for their own misconduct, but likewise for the calamities of nature, and the caprice of fortune. They were depopulated if they had lost a battle; if they succeeded ill in any enterprise; or if, in short, any great event had not corresponded with the hopes of the public. They were not more favourably treated in case of a bad harvest or vintage, or if any epidemical distemper had ravaged the state. At first they were governed by many kings, and bendin was the title of the royal dignity. But in latter times they were subjected to one sovereign; and they grew humane and civilized, especially when Christianity was propagated in their country. Before that epocha, their religion was much the same with that of the other northern nations. They had many priests, the chief of whom was distinguished by the name of pontifex. He was perpetual, and they paid him great respect and veneration.