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Anntilus

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a ring. The clergy do not appear to have worn any badge of office until the fourth century; but subsequently various insignia or emblems of office were appropriated. The ring is now given to Romish bishops on their investiture, as emblemati.cal of the bishop's espousals to the Church, in imitation of the ancient ceremony of presenting a ring in marriage. It was called "the ring of his espousals," annulus sponsalitus, or annulus pronubus; but sometimes, also, annulus palatii. The pope wears a ring with the device of Peter fishing; and papal briefs, stamped with this seal, are said to be given sub annulo piscatorio. The fisher-ring has been used for this purpose since the 13th century.