(Cathedra), was anciently used for the pulpit, or suggestum, whence the priest spoke to the people.

It is still applied to the place where professors and regents in universities deliver their lectures, and teach the sciences to their pupils; thus, we say, the professor's chair, the doctor's chair, &c.

Curule CHAIR, was an ivory seat placed on a car, wherein were seated the prime magistrates of Rome, and those to whom the honour of a triumph had been granted.

Sedan CHAIR, a vehicle supported by poles, wherein persons are carried; borne by two men. There are 200 chairs allowed by act of parliament: and no person is obliged to pay for a hackney chair more than the rate allowed by the act for a hackney coach driven two-thirds parts of the said distance. 9 Ann. c. 23, § 8. Their number is since increased by 10 Ann. c. 19, and 12 Geo. I. c. 12, to 400. See Hackney COACHES.

CHAIR is also applied by the Romanists to certain seats, held anciently in commemoration of the translation of the see, or seat, of the vicarage of Christ, by St Peter.

The perforated chair, wherein the new elected pope is placed, T. Mabillon observes, is to be seen at Rome; but the origin thereof he does not attribute, as is commonly done, to the adventure of Pope Joan; but says there is a mystery in it; and it is intended, tended, forsooth, to explain to the pope those words of Scripture, that God draws the poor from out of the dust and mire.