an ecclesiastical term, which does not occur earlier than the 11th century, came into use after tie time of Alexander III, and designates (1) Persons, canons holding office with precedence in chapter and choir after dignitaries, either by institution or custom. A dignitary was also a person because his person was honored, and he was a person constituted in dignity. The "quatuor personae" were the four internal dignitaries. Until recently the dignitaries were called the parsons at Hereford. (2) Stipendiary clerks or chaplains perpetually resident in a cathedral or collegiate church, like the chantry priests of St. William at York and the rectors of choir at Beverley, holding offices for life. At Grenoble, Sens, Aries, and Nevers they had the responsibility of the ordinary choral services.