Office of the Groom.
Symbolic gesture in which a head of state holds the stirrup of the pope in a submission homage. It originated from the forged Donation of Constantine where the Roman Emperor held the bridle of the then pope. In 1095, Urban II used it to get King Conrad, son of Emperor Henri VI, to support him against his father. Conrad dutifully performed the Office and thus submitted to the pope’s authority.
The Crusading vow.
An innovation from pope Urban II, this was a votum volontarium and the peregrinatus (pilgrim) was making a promise to God. He was staking his salvation on the fulfillment of this promise. It had to be taken publicly and just after he could wear the famous cross of cloth on his tunic or cloak. Suddenly, with this badge, he was a different person. On the other hand, if the deed was not accomplished the Votum Crucis carried the sanction of excommunication.
Wood of the Cross
Pilgrim. Term used to name those participating to the First Crusade. The term Crucesignatus (crusader) will come later.
Nobody’s property
Member; companion; associate; individual.
