nihil obstat

[ nahy-hil ob-stat, nee- ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. permission to publish a book, granted by an official censor who, upon examining it, has certified that it contains nothing contrary to faith or morals.

nihil obstat

/ ˈɒbstæt /

(no translation)

1. the phrase used by a Roman Catholic censor to declare publication inoffensive to faith or morals

Word History and Origins

Origin of nihil obstat¹

1885–90; < Latin: literally, nothing stands in the way

Word History and Origins

Origin of nihil obstat¹

Latin, literally: nothing hinders

Example Sentences

Why in the world have I waited till the day your Libra gets its nihil obstat from Christopher Lemondrop* to send you a note.

From The Daily Beast

Virtuti nihil obstat et armis—Nothing can withstand valour and arms.

From Project Gutenberg

I mean it depends on his permission; his imprimatur; his nihil obstat.

From Project Gutenberg