How Do You Spell PRAGMATIC SANCTION?

1. A pragmatic sanction, in a dictionary context, refers to a formal decree or ruling issued by a sovereign or governing body that outlines and establishes a practical policy or principle to be followed. It is typically aimed at resolving a specific issue or conflict, especially related to matters of succession, inheritance, or governance. The pragmatic sanction provides a legal and authoritative framework for addressing the situation at hand, ensuring that it is executed effectively and smoothly.

   The term originated from the Latin word "pragmaticus," meaning practical or judicial, and "sanction," indicating an authoritative order or command. A pragmatic sanction is designed to accommodate and reconcile various conflicting interests, opinions, or claims within a society or within different factions to maintain stability and avoid political or social unrest. It prevents potential disputes, tensions, or power struggles by imposing clear guidelines or regulations that must be adhered to by all concerned parties.

   Historically, pragmatic sanctions were particularly common in European monarchies, where they were employed to regulate matters of royal succession. For instance, the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, issued by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, aimed to ensure the hereditary line of the Habsburg dynasty by allowing his daughter, Maria Theresa, to succeed him. Such pragmatic sanctions often carried significant weight and required international recognition and acceptance to be effective.

   In summary, a pragmatic sanction is a legally binding directive or declaration, typically issued by a ruler or government, aimed at resolving a specific issue, maintaining stability, or establishing clear guidelines for succession or governance.

2. In law, a solemn order or decree of a sovereign, promulgated by the advice of his council-applied specially, 1, to the decree issued by Charles VII. of France, A. D. 1438, which was the foundation of the liberties of the Gallican Church; 2, to the settlement by the Emperor Charles VI. of Germany of his empire on his daughter Maria Theresa, 1724.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PRAGMATIC SANCTION

The word "pragmatic sanction" has its roots in Latin and Greek.

The term "pragmatic" comes from the Greek word "pragma", meaning "act" or "deed". It was later adopted into Latin as "pragmaticus", which refers to things that concern practical matters or actions.

The word "sanction" comes from the Latin word "sanctio", derived from the verb "sanctire", meaning "to ratify" or "to authorize". In the original Latin sense, "sanctio" referred to a law or decree meant to validate a decision or course of action.

When these two words are combined, "pragmatic sanction" refers to a law or decree that has practical implications or consequences.