REGIUM DONUM Meaning and
Definition
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"Regium donum" is a Latin term that translates to "royal gift" in English. It refers to a historical practice of providing financial support or grants to churches or religious institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This term originated in the 17th century during the reign of Charles II, when the British monarchy established an annual monetary gift to nonconformist religious groups.
Initially, the regium donum was given exclusively to Protestant dissenters who refused to conform to the Church of England. The purpose behind this royal gift was to ensure the freedom of religious worship and promote tolerance within the nation. Over time, the eligibility criteria expanded, and the regium donum began to accommodate other nonconformist denominations such as Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists.
The regium donum was intended to support the salaries of ministers and other essential expenses of the recipient religious institutions. It played a significant role in maintaining the independence of these dissenting churches and fostering religious diversity within the United Kingdom.
Despite being abolished in England in the mid-19th century, the regium donum continued to be provided in Scotland until the 20th century. It represented a vital aspect of religious and social history, showcasing the government's effort to acknowledge and respect religious pluralism and enable the practice of different faiths within the realm.
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An annual grant of public money formerly paid by the Legislature in aid of the incomes of the Presbyterian ministers in Ireland.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for REGIUM DONUM
Etymology of REGIUM DONUM
The term "regium donum" has Latin origins and translates to "royal gift" in English. "Regium" comes from the Latin word "rex", meaning "king" or "royal", while "donum" means "gift". The phrase was commonly used in English-speaking countries to refer to a financial grant or subsidy provided by the British government to nonconformist Christian ministers in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly Presbyterian ministers.
