Cathedraticum

Cathedraticum was the name anciently given to two kinds of ecclesiastical tribute to a bishop:

1. A pension paid annually to the bishop by the churches of his diocese, "in token of subjection," "pro honore cathedral," the payments being limited by two councils to two shillings severally. This was sanctioned by the Council of Braga in 560 (canon 2), and although the acts of that council contain the first allusion to it that we possess, they speak of it as a custom then in general use. This is not only one of the most ancient episcopal rights, but the most universal, and is still commonly observed. The only difference between the jura cathedrica and synodalia is, that the former was paid during a visitation, the latter at the synod; but it seems to have been the same impost.

2. A fee paid by the bishop to the bishops who had consecrated him, and to the clerks and notaries who assisted.