h.to kiss the pope's toe, to kiss the golden cross of the sandal on the pope's right foot, as a mark of respect; formerly the customary salutation of those (excepting sovereigns) to whom audience was granted.
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1768 Earl of Carlisle in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) II. 296 I kissed the Pope's toe yesterday morning.
1782 J. PriestleyHist. Corruptions Christianity II. x. 253 All other persons..must kiss the pope's toe.