B

Bambino. A figure of the Infant Christ.

Banns of Marriage. Proclamation in church of an intended marriage. Banns must be published in the respective parishes of the intending parties on three Sundays or holy days.

Baptism, Holy. The sacrament ordained by Christ for admission into the Catholic Church. Lay Baptism is valid in cases of necessity.

Baptistery. A place set apart for Holy Baptism. In many churches abroad the baptistery is a build-ing separate from the church, notably at Pisa and Florence.

Basilica. A church built in the style of an ancient Roman hall,

Beatitudes. The eight Blessings in Christ's Ser-mon on the Mount.

Belief, The. A name for the Apostles' Creed.

Bell, Passing. A bell sounded at a death or funeral.

Bench of Bishops. The whole body of bishops.

Benedicite. A canticle in Morning Prayer, so called from its first word in Latin, Benedicite (" Bless ye "). The Song of the Three Children (Dan. a 23, 24).

Benedictines. An order of monks founded by S. Benedict in the sixth century. S. Augustine of Canterbury was a Benedictine.

Benedictus. A canticle in Morning Prayer, so called from its first word in Latin, Benedictus (" Blessed "). The Song of Zacharias (S. Luke 1.67).

Benefice. A Church living.

Bidding Prayer. A prayer to be used before a sermon ; it is still common in universities and cathedral churches.

Biretta. A square cap used by some of the clergy.

Bishop. One of the chief order of clergy, usually in charge of a diocese.

Black Friars. The ancient English name for the Dominican Friars, who wear black cloaks over white habits.

Black-letter Days. Days noted in the Kalendar of the Prayer Book ; for which special Collects, etc., are not provided as they are for the red-letter days.

Breviary. The book containing the offices for the seven canonical hours of the day.

Bull. A decree of the Pope, so called from its seal : bulla (Latin), a seal.