pragmatic sanction

pragmatic sanction
    n 1: an imperial decree that becomes part of the fundamental law
         of the land [syn: {pragmatic sanction}, {pragmatic}]
    

Pragmatic \Prag*mat"ic\, Pragmatical \Prag*mat"ic*al\, a. [L.
   pragmaticus busy, active, skilled in business, especially in
   law and state affairs, systematic, Gr. ?, fr. ? a thing done,
   business, fr. ? to do: cf. F. pragmatique. See {Practical}.]
   1. Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature
      of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or
      manner.
      [1913 Webster]

            The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical.
                                                  --Evelyn.
      [1913 Webster]

            We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or
            pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some
            delightful intermissions.             --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

            Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel.
                                                  --Hare.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way;
      officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome. "Pragmatical
      officers of justice." --Sir W. Scott.
      [1913 Webster]

            The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him
            the government of my whole family.    --Arbuthnot.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects,
      rather than with details and circumstances; -- said of
      literature. "Pragmatic history." --Sir W. Hamilton.
      "Pragmatic poetry." --M. Arnold.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Pragmatic sanction}, a solemn ordinance or decree issued by
      the head or legislature of a state upon weighty matters;
      -- a term derived from the Byzantine empire. In European
      history, two decrees under this name are particularly
      celebrated. One of these, issued by Charles VII. of
      France, A. D. 1438, was the foundation of the liberties of
      the Gallican church; the other, issued by Charles VI. of
      Germany, A. D. 1724, settled his hereditary dominions on
      his eldest daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa.
      [1913 Webster]
    

PRAGMATIC SANCTION, French law. This expression is used to designate those 
ordinances which concern the most important object of the civil or 
ecclesiastical administration. Merl. Repert, h.t.; 1 Fournel, Hist. des 
Avocats, 24, 38, 39. 2. In the civil law, the answer given by the emperors 
on questions of law, when consulted by a corporation or the citizens of a 
province, or of a, municipality, was called a pragmatic sanction. Lecons El. 
du Dr. Civ. Rom. Sec. 53. This differed from a rescript. (q.v.)