Adopʹtion

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.