Capuchins

(kah-pushēn.) [Fr., from capuce, a cowl.] (Eccl. Hist.) An order of Francis can friars, founded 1525, and established by papal authority in 1529. They are so called from the capuche or hood séwed to their habits, and allowed to hang down their backs. The title was given to them by Paul III. in 1536, when confirming the order. They became established in France in1573, and in Spain in 1606. [s. 1]