Canon Law
Definition:
Canon law is a set of rules and regulations made by a Christian church to govern its members and the church's practices. It is often written down and organized, which makes it easier to follow and enforce.
Usage Instructions:
- "Canon law" is a noun, so it is used to name something. You can say "the canon law of the Catholic Church" or "canon law governs the behavior of clergy." - When discussing religious rules or church governance, use "canon law" to refer specifically to the laws of a Christian denomination.
Example:
"The priest explained that the church had to follow canon law when dealing with marriage annulments."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "ecclesiastical authority," which relates to the power that church leaders have to enforce canon law.
Word Variants:
- Canonical (adjective): Relating to or permitted by canon law. Example: "The canonical procedure for excommunication was followed." - Canon (noun): A general rule or standard, especially in a religious context. Example: "The canon of scripture includes the books accepted by the church."
Different Meanings:
While "canon law" specifically refers to church laws, the word "canon" can also refer to a general rule or principle in other contexts, such as literature (the accepted works of an author) or art.
Synonyms:
- Ecclesiastical law (more formal term) - Church law
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "canon law," but you might hear phrases like "the letter of the law" (which means strictly following the rules) in discussions about legal matters, including canon law.