Definitions for pragmatic sanction

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word pragmatic sanction

Princeton's WordNet

  1. pragmatic sanction, pragmatic(noun)



  1. Pragmatic sanction

    A pragmatic sanction is a sovereign's solemn decree on a matter of primary importance and has the force of fundamental law. In the late history of the Holy Roman Empire it referred more specifically to an edict issued by the Emperor. When used as a proper noun, and the year is not mentioned, it usually refers to the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, a legal mechanism designed to ensure that the Austrian throne and Habsburg lands would be inherited by Emperor Charles VI's daughter, Maria Theresa. Pragmatic sanctions tend to be issued at times in which the theoretically ideal situation is untenable, and a change of the rules is called for. ⁕The Pragmatic Sanction of Justinian I, promulgated in August 554, on the reorganization of Italy following the Gothic War. ⁕The so-called Pragmatic Sanction of Louis IX, purporting to have been issued in March 1269, regarding various clerical reforms, was a forgery fabricated in the 15th century. ⁕The Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges, issued on July 7, 1438 by King Charles VII of France, limited the authority of the pope over the Church within France. ⁕The German Pragmatic Sanction of 1439, issued by German ruling princes March 26, 1439, accepted some of the decrees of the Council of Basel with modifications. It has been argued that the name Pragmatic Sanction is not properly applied to this document, as it was issued by princes subordinate to the emperor without the emperor's endorsement.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

  1. Pragmatic Sanction

    a term applied to "an ordinance of a very irrevocable nature which a sovereign makes in affairs belonging wholly to himself, or what he reckons within his own right," but applied more particularly to the decree promulgated by Charles VI., emperor of Germany, whereby he vested the right of succession to the throne of Austria in his daughter, Maria Theresa, wife of Francis of Lorraine, a succession which was guaranteed by France, the States-General, and the most of the European Powers.


  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of pragmatic sanction in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of pragmatic sanction in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

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