ABSTRACT
IN certain cases, where legal questions as to legitimacy and succession were involved, a jury of matrons was summoned to visit the expectant mother and furnish a report. In 1372 we find the Council of Cividale deputing three widows of experience to this office, and, at another time, the Council of Udine ordering three women of repute to dwell with a pregnant widow and to call in two other ladies of standing to be present at the birth.
