Turlupins

The turlupins were a religious sect in medieval France, loosely related to the Beguines and Beghards and the Brethren of the Free Spirit.^[1] The name turlupin is a derisive epithet; they appear to have called themselves the "society of the poor" or "fellowship of poverty".^[1][2] Mention of them survives only in writings of their opponents, who condemned them as heretics.^[2] From Avignon, Pope Gregory XI excommunicated them as heretics.^[3] Therefore, very little is known about them, but they apparently wore few clothes as an expression of the vow of poverty, which led to accusations of nudism and promiscuity.^[2][4] Some historians think their importance may have been exaggerated to add "local colour" to academic theological disputes.^[4]

The sect was active mainly in the second half of the 14th century around Paris, being one of the few heretical sects active in Paris at that time.^[4] In 1372 a number were imprisoned, with a female leader, Jeanne Daubenton [fr], burnt at the stake for witchcraft and heresy.^[1] A similar sect may have been active in the 1460s around Lille.^[2]