Was once restricted by an English law, wherein the prelates and nobility
were confined to two courses at every meal, and two kinds of food in
every course, except on great festivals: it also prohibited all who did
not enjoy a free estate of £100. per annum, from wearing furs, skins,
or silk, and the use of foreign cloth was confined to the royal family
alone, to all others it was prohibited, 1337. In 1340, an edict was
issued by Charles VI. of France, which says, "Let no one presume to
treat with more than a soup and two dishes."