the white brotherhood was an urban society (or militia) of toulouse established in 1211 during the episcopate of folquet de marselha, so-called from its members' habit of wearing white crosses on their chests. the society, called a "pious institution" by william of puylaurens, was militant towards usurers (jews) and cathars, robbing them and destroying their homes. most of the whites came from the city proper. a black brotherhood, so-called in opposition to the white, was soon formed and the two factions went to war in the streets of toulouse. according to puylaurens: