1315. 'The neglect to pay tithes and Easter offerings came under the
archdeacon's jurisdiction, as the bishop's diocesan officer. The friar does
not scruple to make an invidious use of this subject at the expense of the
parochial clergy, because, being obliged by his rule to gain his livelihood
by begging, he had no interest in tithes.'--Bell.
1317. Alluding to the shape of the bishop's crosier. In P. Plowman, C. xi.
92, the crosier is described as having a hook at one end, by which he draws
men back to a good life, and a spike at the other, which he uses against
hardened offenders. On the crosier, see Rock, Church of Our Fathers, ii.
181. The bishop dealt with such offenders as were contumacious to the
archdeacon.
1321. For the character of a Somnour, see A. 623.