Definitions for gallicanismˈgæl ɪ kəˌnɪz əm

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word gallicanism

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

Gal•li•can•ismˈgæl ɪ kəˌnɪz əm(n.)

  1. a movement or body of doctrines, chiefly associated with the Gallican Church, advocating restriction of papal authority.

    Category: Religion

    Ref: Compare ultramontanism .

Origin of Gallicanism:

1855–60; < F

Webster Dictionary

  1. Gallicanism(noun)

    the principles, tendencies, or action of those, within the Roman Catholic Church in France, who (esp. in 1682) sought to restrict the papal authority in that country and increase the power of the national church


  1. Gallicanism

    Gallicanism is the belief that popular civil authority—often represented by the monarchs' authority or the State's authority—over the Catholic Church is comparable to that of the Pope's. Gallicanism is a rejection of ultramontanism; it is akin to a form of Anglicanism but is nuanced, however, in that it plays down the authority of the Pope in Church without denying that there are some authoritative elements to the office associated with being primus inter pares. Other terms for the same or similar doctrines include Erastianism, Febronianism and Josephinism. University of Notre Dame professor John McGreevy defines it as "the notion that national customs might trump Roman regulations." The doctrine originated in France. In the 18th century it spread to the Low Countries, especially the Netherlands, as well. It is unrelated to the first-millennium Catholic Gallican rite.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Gallicanism

    the name given to the contention of the Gallican Church (q. v.).


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