functions, and the title became merely honorary. Functions The chief functions of a vidame were to protect the temporal holdings of the see (called accordingly le vidamé or la vidamie), to represent the bishop at the count's court of justice, to exercise the bishop's temporal jurisdiction in his name (placitum or curia vice-domini), and to exercise military command of feudal troops attached to the episcopal government. In return, he usually had a house near the episcopal palace, a domain within and without the city, and sometimes the right to levy certain dues on the city. See also Visdomino of Ferrara Notes References Nouveau Larousse Illustré (undated, early 20th century; in French) Christianity in the Middle Ages Catholic ecclesiastical titles Feudalism in France History of Christianity in France Noble titles