Bull

A letter from the pope of Rome, written on parchment, to which is attached There are three kinds of apostolical rescripts,—the "brief," the "signature," and the "bull," which last is most commonly used in legal matters. Bulls may be compared to the edicts and letters patent of secular princes. When the bull grants a favor, the seal is attached by means of silken strings; and when to direct execution to be performed, with flax cords. Bulls are writr ten in Latin, in a round and Gothic hand.

Ayliffe, Par, 132; Ayliffe, Pand. 21; Merlin, Report.

BULLA (Lat.) A seal used by the Roman emperors during the lower empire, and which was of four kinds, — gold, silver, wax, and lead. These are described by Spelman in detail. A letter, brief, or charter, sealed with such a seal (literae bullatae).

Spelman.

A brief, mandate, or bull of the pope, having usually a leaden, but sometimes a golden, seal. Spelman; Blount; Cowell; Burrill.