ecclesiastical court

noun

1. a church court in ecclesiastical matters, presided over by members of the clergy and usually having no compulsory jurisdiction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecclesiastical court¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

The local authorities at once took high ground, and put twelve of the recusants into the Ecclesiastical Court.

From Project Gutenberg

We in our country consider that your Ecclesiastical Court is a most remarkable institution for a Christian land.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Ecclesiastical Court is a court of discipline and doctrine rather than of law," said Dickiefield.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no Ecclesiastical Court and, therefore, no source of authority to which dissatisfied couples might turn.

From Project Gutenberg

It's quite a different thing to stand up before an ecclesiastical court and answer a string of questions about nebulous things.

From Project Gutenberg