Note 360 — Chapter IV · COLLEGIATE AND SOCIAL LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY

The pileum placed on the head of the new master of arts in the xv? and xvi centuries, probably symbolised the termination of the status pupillaris. Cf. Haec mera libertas, hoc nobis pilea donant; and servos ad pileum vocare (Livy). The tall silk hat signified the same thing. It was worn by young M.A.’s, and by the ‘Hat-fellow-commoners,’ and is still worn by M.A.’s on a visit to their alma mater though not by resident ‘dons.’