LENT

\A.S. Lencten; spring), name given to Church fast before Easter; at first short, but very strict, then three weeks, sometimes six weeks or longer; now forty days: in Middle Ages very rigorous. Eng. politician; 6. Henley-on-Thames; Speaker of Long Parliament, 1640; supported Parliament in Civil War: Master of Rolls, 1643; Commi ioner of Great Seal, 1648; continued as Speaker till 1653; re-elected, 1654, 1659; temporary Keeper of Great Seal, 1659; helped to bring about Restoration; excluded from act of Indemnity, 1660 j