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Adopʹtion

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Adoption by arms. An ancient custom of giving arms to a person of merit, which laid him under the obligation of being your champion and defender.

Adoption by baptism. Being godfather or godmother to a child. The child by baptism is your god-child.

Adoption by hair. Cutting off your hair, and giving it to a person in proof that you receive him as your adopted father. Thus Boʹson, King of Arles, cut off his hair and gave it to Pope John VIII., who adopted him.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Adolpha
Adonai
Adonais
Adonies
Adonis
Adonis of 50
Adonis Flower (The)
Adonis Garden
Adonis River
Adonists
Adoption
Adoption Controversy
Adoptionist
Adore
Adrammelech
Adrastus
Adrian (St.)
Adriel
Adrift
Adroit
Adsidelta