saint thomas a becket

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Saint Thomas à Becket

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Saint Thomas à Becket was an important religious figure in England. He was the Archbishop of Canterbury, which means he was a high-ranking church leader, from 1162 to 1170. He is known for standing up against King Henry II, who wanted to have more control over the church. Because of his beliefs and opposition to the king, he was murdered in 1170. He is considered a martyr and was later canonized, which means he was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

Usage Instructions:

When referring to Saint Thomas à Becket, you can use his full name or simply call him "Thomas Becket." He is often discussed in the context of history, religion, and the struggles between church and state.

Example:

• "Saint Thomas à Becket is remembered for his courage in defending the rights of the church against royal authority."

Advanced Usage:

In historical discussions, you might see references to the "Becket controversy," which pertains to the conflicts between him and King Henry II. In literature, he is often portrayed as a symbol of moral integrity and resistance against tyranny.

Word Variants:

• Becket: This can refer to him in a more informal context.
• Saint Thomas: In some discussions, he may simply be referred to as Saint Thomas.

Different Meanings:

• The term "Becket" can also refer to a small loop or attachment on a garment or equipment, but this meaning is unrelated to the historical figure.

Synonyms:

There are no direct synonyms for "Saint Thomas à Becket," as he is a specific historical figure. However, you could use terms like "martyr" or "saint" in broader discussions about religious figures.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with Saint Thomas à Becket. However, one might say "to be a martyr for a cause," which reflects his sacrifice for his beliefs.

Summary:

Saint Thomas à Becket is a significant historical and religious figure known for his conflict with King Henry II and his dedication to the church.

Academic

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 to 1170; murdered following his opposition to Henry II's attempts to control the clergy (1118-1170)

Synonyms

• Becket
• Thomas a Becket
• Saint Thomas a Becket
• St. Thomas a Becket