a porter or doorkeeper of the Turkish seraglio. There are about five hundred capigis or porters in the seraglio, divided into two companies: one consisting of three hundred, under a chief called Capigi-Bassa, who has a stipend of three ducats per day; the other consists of two hundred, distinguished by the name of Cuccicopigi, and their chief Cuccicopigi-Bassa, who has two ducats. The capigis have from seven to fifteen aspers per day; some more, others less. Their business is to assist the janizaries in the guard of the first and second gates of the seraglio; sometimes all together; as when the Turk holds a general council, receives an ambassador, or goes to the mosque; and sometimes only in part: being ranged on either side to prevent people entering with arms, any tumults being made, &c. The word, in its original, signifies gate.