Pronunciation: [ɡˈalɪkən] (IPA) 
The word Gallican (gælɪkən) refers to the French church in the medieval period. The spelling of the word can be understood through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "g" is pronounced as "g" in "goose", "a" as "æ" in "cat", "l" as "l" in "lemon", "i" as "ɪ" in "sit", "c" as "k" in "kite", "a" as "ə" in "about", and "n" as "n" in "no". Together, these sounds make up the phonetic transcription of Gallican.
Gallican refers to a set of religious and political beliefs associated with the Roman Catholic Church in France during the medieval and early modern periods. The term originated from the Latin word "Gallicanus," meaning "pertaining to Gaul," the ancient name for the region that encompasses present-day France. The Gallican movement emerged as a distinct faction within the Catholic Church, advocating for a more independent and autonomous role for the French bishops.
In the realm of religion, Gallicanism was primarily concerned with asserting the sovereignty of the French church over papal authority. Gallicans advocated for the idea of "Gallican liberties," which included the right of the French king to control appointments of bishops, asserting the authority of general councils over the pope, and rejecting the superiority of the Holy See over secular rulers. These principles found expression in the Four Gallican Articles (1682), approved by the French clergy and endorsed by King Louis XIV.
Gallican beliefs had profound implications for the political landscape of France, as they helped to consolidate the authority of the French monarchy and curb excessive papal influence. However, the movement lost momentum over time, particularly with the rise of ultramontanism in the 19th century, which advocated for central papal authority within the Catholic Church.
In summary, Gallican refers to a religious and political movement that championed the independence of the French church from papal control, seeking to establish the primacy of French bishops and the French monarchy in matters of governance and authority within the Catholic Church.
Pert. to Gaul or France.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Gallican" is derived from the Latin term "Gallīcanus", which has its roots in the word "Gallia", meaning "Gaul". Gaul was a region in ancient Europe that corresponds to modern-day France and Belgium. The term "Gallican" emerged in the context of the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, specifically to refer to certain practices, doctrines, and rights prevalent in the French Church. These practices were distinct from the authority of the papacy and had a uniquely French character, hence the association with Gaul. The term "Gallican" is still used today to refer to the historical tradition of the French Church and its distinct theology and liturgy.
