A strip of parchment containing written papal absolution that could be carried by travelers, primarily used in medieval times.
From Medieval Latin, likely derived from 'fetus' meaning 'made' or 'written.' This term specifically emerged during the medieval period when the Catholic Church issued written pardons and permissions to pilgrims traveling to Rome or holy sites.
Medieval travelers carried fetticus like spiritual insurance cards—they were basically medieval paperwork proving you had the pope's permission, making them the ancient equivalent of travel documentation and religious credentials combined!
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