White Brethren, a sect of the 15th century, who first appeared in the Italian Alps about 1399, and were headed by a priest, probably a Spaniard, although some say that he was a Provencal, others that he was a Scotchman. He claimed to be the prophet Elias. He and his followers were arrayed in white, and carried large crucifixes from which a bloody sweat appeared to exude. He affirmed that it was his mission to announce the speedy destruction of the world by an earthquake. He commenced his ministrations in Lombardy, and thence extended them to the Ligurian Alps. His success was at first great. He entered Genoa at the head of 5,000 followers, and the excitement spread to Lucca, Pisa, and Florence. Their leader prescribed and practised mortification and rigorous penances, and endeavored to effect a renewal of the crusades. But Pope Boniface IX. caused him to be apprehended and burnt at the stake, whereupon his followers dispersed, and the sect became extinct, having existed only a few months.

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See Bretheen, White.