Brewer's: Adoption

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 godchild.

Adoption by hair.

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

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