religious of the order of St Francis in its strictest observance; deriving their name from capuce, or capuchon, a stuff 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 Baschi, a religious observant of the monastery of Montefiascone; who, being at Rome, was advertised several times from heaven, to practice 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.