And, 3.

the Clarissimi; whom we may translate by the word Honorable.

In the times of Roman simplicity, the last-mentioned epithet was used only as a vague expression of deference, till it became at length the peculiar and appropriated title of all who were members of the senate, and consequently of all who, from that venerable body, were selected to govern the provinces.

The vanity of those who, from their rank and office, might claim a superior distinction above the rest of the senatorial order, was long afterwards indulged with the new appellation of Respectable; but the title of Illustrious was always reserved to some eminent personages who were obeyed or reverenced by the two subordinate classes.

It was communicated only, I.To the consuls and patricians; II.
To the Praetorian praefects, with the praefects of Rome and Constantinople; III.