Page "Abbreviator" Paragraph 9

Whatever may be the date of the institution of the office of abbreviator, it is certain that it became of greater importance and more highly privileged upon its erection into a college of prelates.

Pope Martin V ( Constit.

3 " In Apostolicae ", ii and v ) fixed the manner for their examination and approbation and also the tax they should demand for their labour and the punishment for overcharge.

He also assigned to them certain emoluments.

The Abbreviators of the lower, or lesser, were to be promoted to the higher, or greater, bar or presidency.

Their offices were compatible with other offices, i. e. they can hold two benefices or offices at one and the same time, some conferred by the Cardinal Vice-Chancellor, others by the Holy Father.