Jacobitic is an adjective referring to the beliefs, practices, or traditions associated with the followers of Jacob of Edessa, a theologian and bishop who opposed the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. The spelling of Jacobitic follows the word's pronunciation: /dʒəˈkɑːbətɪk/ (juh-KOB-uh-tik). The stress falls on the third syllable, and the sound /t/ is followed by the unstressed syllable /ɪk/. The word is commonly used in historical or religious contexts, particularly in relation to early Christianity and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Jacobitic refers to anything relating to the Jacobites or Jacobitism. Jacobitism, in turn, was a political movement that emerged in Britain and Ireland during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It stemmed from the discontent of supporters of the deposed Catholic King James II and his descendants, who sought to restore the Stuart dynasty to the thrones of these countries.
The term "Jacobitic" can be used to describe various aspects that are connected to Jacobitism. For example, it can refer to the beliefs, principles, or practices of the Jacobites, or to anything associated with their cause, such as their political ideology, social customs, and cultural expressions. Additionally, it can be used to characterize the historical events, campaigns, rebellions, or uprisings carried out by the Jacobites in their attempts to regain power.
The Jacobites faced opposition from supporters of the Protestant establishment, who were wary of the potential religious and political implications of a Catholic monarchy. Their struggle for the restoration of the Stuarts was marked by numerous conflicts and attempts at rebellion, the most notable being the Jacobite Risings of 1689, 1715, and 1745. Ultimately, the Jacobites were unsuccessful in their endeavors and the movement gradually lost momentum over time.
Today, the term "Jacobitic" carries a historical connotation, frequently used to describe events, ideas, or artifacts related to the Jacobite cause and its impact on the countries involved. It often appears in academic studies, historical accounts, or discussions centered on this particular period in British and Irish history.
The word "Jacobitic" derives from the term "Jacobite", which is ultimately derived from the name "Jacobus", the Latin form of "James". The term "Jacobite" originated during the 17th and 18th centuries, encompassing a political and religious movement that supported the claim of James II and his descendants to the British throne. The movement emerged after James II, who was a Roman Catholic, was overthrown during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. "Jacobite" is based on the Latin form of James because the movement was centered around the Stuart dynasty, who descended from James VI and I, the first monarch to rule both England and Scotland. Hence, "Jacobitic" refers to anything related to Jacobites or the Jacobite movement.