religious of the order of St Francis in its strictest observance; deriving their name from capuca, or capuchon, a fluff cap, or cowl, wherewith they cover their heads. They are clothed with brown or grey; always bare-footed; 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 6th century by Matthew Baschi, a religious observant of the monastery of Montefiascone; who, being at Rome, 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.