FALDSTOOL

a folding stool commonly composed of two pairs of crossed legs pivoting at the intersection, each pair joined by stretchers near ground level and by a flexible (usually fabric) seat at the top. It is obvious from early manuscripts depicting rulers seated on faldstools that this form of seating was reserved for people of the highest rank. It was known in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, and it has been suggested that barbarian leaders who usurped Roman rule used the faldstools captured from Roman commanders as thrones or symbols of their newly won power. Before the introduction of permanent seating in medieval churches, faldstools were used by members of the congregation. They were also used as bishops' seats. See also scissors chair.