Bull
Bull names 6 different subjects across the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. Each is set out below.
Bull an authoritative document issued by the popes
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
an authoritative document issued by the popes, "usually an open letter containing some decree, order, or decision relating to a matter of grace or justice." The document is sealed with a globular leaden seal or bulla. The bulla is attached to it by a red or yellow thread, if relating to matters of grace, and by an uncolored strand of hemp, if relating to matters of justice. One side of the bulla, somewhat flattened, bears the heads of St. Peter and St. Paul; the other bears the name of the pope. The writing is in Latin on the finest parchment. A papal bull opens with the name of the pope. Thus the form is "Pius, episcopus, servus servorum Dei, in Domino salutem et apostolicam benedictionem,"--"Pius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, in the Lord salutation and apostolical benediction." The red seal of the pope is attached to the parchment itself. The term "papal bull" is akin to government bulletin. It has no relation to the similar word signifying a blunder. In 1758 an edition of papal bulls and briefs was published in nineteen volumes at Luxembourg. The editing required thirty years. For imperial bulls, see GOLDEN BULL .
Bull an instrument
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
an instrument, edict, ordinance, or decree of the Pope, equivalent to the proclamations, edicts, letters patent, or ukases of secular princes. Bulls are written on the wrong side of parchment, to which a leaden seal is affixed, and are granted for the consecration of bishops, the promotion to benefices, and the celebration of jubilees, etc. The publication of papal bulls is termed fulmination; and it is done by three commissioners, to whom they are usually addressed. Bulls are generally designated by the first words of their text; thus, the B. Unigenitus, or In Cena Domini, etc. GOLDEN BULL is the term particularly applied to a statute or enactment of the Emperor Charles IV., published in 1356, in two diets held in succession at Nuremberg and Metz, for the purpose of fixing the laws in the election of the Emperor, and of regulating the number and privileges of the electors (Churfürsten). The original copy of this instrument is preserved at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and has a seal of gold appendant; the appellation "golden bull" is derived.
Bull OLE BORNEMANN, a Norwegian violinist
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
OLE BORNEMANN, a Norwegian violinist, born in Bergen, Feb. 5, 1810. He secured great triumphs both throughout Europe and in the United States by his wonderful playing. He lost all his money in a scheme to found a colony of his countrymen in Pennsylvania, and had to take again to his violin to repair his broken fortunes. He afterward settled in Cambridge, Mass., and had also a summer residence in his native city, where he died, Aug. 17, 1880.
Bull John, a nickname for the English people
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
John, a nickname for the English people. It originated in a satire by Arbuthnot entitled the History of John Bull. The satire was intended to cast ridicule upon the Duke of Marlborough, but it gave the cartoonist a name for a whole people. The corresponding American term is Uncle Jonathan. Attack of the Picador. the Bull's Last Charge. Bull fighting in Mexico Entering the Arena. Bull fighting
Bull the male of any quadruped of the bovidæ family
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
the male of any quadruped of the bovidæ family. Also, a sign of the zodiac: Taurus.
Bull JOHN, the popular sobriquet or characteristic name applied to
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
JOHN, the popular sobriquet or characteristic name applied to the English nation.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
The mechanics Aiton's described in 1910 have quietly lapsed: the globular lead bulla on silk or hemp is now used only for the most solemn documents, most papal bulls since Leo XIII's time being stamped in red ink instead, and Collier's term "fulmination" has fallen out of use. The form itself survives — bulls are still in Latin, still named from their opening words, as with Francis's Spes Non Confundit of 2024 proclaiming the 2025 Jubilee. Ole Bull's failed Pennsylvania settlement, Oleana, founded in 1852, is now a Potter County state park, and the villa on Lysøen island near Bergen where he died has been a museum since 1973. John Bull, as the editor's note says, has faded from British self-image in a way Uncle Sam has not.
Written for this edition, 2026.