epieikeia

noun

ep·​i·​ei·​keia
ˌepēˌīˈkīə
variants or epikeia
ˌepəˈkīə
plural -s
: interpretation of a law of the Roman Catholic Church that presumes it not applicable in a case of hardship felt to violate natural law (as when a mother presumes she may miss mass rather than leave her baby alone) : equity
the epieikeia of the church

Word History

Etymology

Greek epieikeia reasonableness, equity, from epieikēs suitable, reasonable + -ia -y

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Dictionary Entries Near epieikeia

epidural

epieikeia

Epifagus

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Cite this Entry

“Epieikeia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epieikeia. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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