cover evident proofs of it in some homilies of George of Nicomedia, who lived in the time of Photius. Its institution in the west is ascribed to Gregory XI. in 1372. Others think it was instituted in memory of the ceremony practised amongst the Jews for their newly-born females, and corresponded to the circumcision on the eighth day for males.

Presentation of our Lady also gives the title to three orders of nuns. The first of these was that projected in 1618, by a maid named Joan of Cambrey. The habit of the nuns was to be a grey gown of natural wool; but this project was never accomplished. The second was established in France, about the year 1627, by Nicholas Sanguin, bishop of Senlis, and approved by Urban VIII. This order never made any great progress. The third was established in 1654, when Frederick Borromeo, being apostolic visitor in the Valteline, was intreated by some devout maids of Morbegno to allow them to live in community in a retired place; a request which he granted, and erected them into a congregation, under the title of the Congregation of our Lady. They live under the rule of St. Augustin.

President, Presses, is an officer, created or elected to preside over a company or assembly, and is so called in contradistinction to the other members, who are termed residents.

Lord President of the Council, is a great officer of the crown, who has precedence next after the lord chancellor and the lord treasurer. The lord president is as ancient as the time of king John, when he was styled consiliarius capitalis. His office is to attend upon the king, to propose business at the council-table, and to report to the king the several matters transacted there.