investiture

The rite of investiture, called, in the colloquially technical language of the order, the ceremony of clothing, brings us at once to the consideration of that well-known symbol of Freemasonry, the LAMB-SKIN APRON. This rite of investiture, or the placing upon the aspirant some garment, as an indication of his appropriate preparation for the ceremonies in which he was about to engage, prevailed in all the ancient initiations.

Raynelmus the 30. Bishop of Hereford receiving his investiture from King Henry the first, by the delivery of a Ring and Crosier, according to the Law and Custom of that Age, and afterwards resigning them into the Kings hands again to pleasure Anselme, against the Kings Prerogative, the King was so highly offended with him (as he had just cause) that he presently banished him the Realm, and seised his Temporalties.