Boots were introduced by the Benedictines, and worn by masters of arts at their inception, until the doctors of faculties appropriated them to their own use, and masters were reduced to pantables or sandals. The boot was buttoned up the side of the leg like a gaiter; hence, probably, the modern use of the latter by the bishops, who have always a doctor's degree. The doctor of divinity stood booted and spurred at his act, as if shod with the preparation of the Gospel and ready always to preach God's word.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More