E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Adop’tion.
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.
1
Adoption by baptism. Being godfather or godmother to a child. The child by baptism is your god-child.
2
Adoption by hair. Cutting off your hair, and giving it to a person in proof that you receive him as your adopted father. Thus Bo’son, King of Arles, cut off his hair and gave it to Pope John VIII., who adopted him.
