THOMAS BECKET Meaning and
Definition
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Thomas Becket (1118-1170) was an English statesman and prelate, renowned for his role as Archbishop of Canterbury during the 12th century. Born in Cheapside, London, Becket was educated at Merton Priory and subsequently worked as a clerk to Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury. This association propelled Becket's rise in the church hierarchy, culminating in his appointment as Archbishop in 1162 by King Henry II of England.
As Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket asserted the independence of the church from royal interference, and became a symbol of ecclesiastical resistance against the king's attempts to exert control over the clergy. This led to a tense and adversarial relationship between the two men, resulting in Becket's exile in France for six years as a consequence of defying royal authority.
Becket's return to England in 1170 marked a turning point in his life. His refusal to reconcile with the king's demands on the church provoked the wrath of Henry II, who allegedly made a statement that was interpreted as inciting violence against Becket. Shortly after, Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights who may have acted on the king's order, becoming an iconic martyr for the rights of the church.
His assassination prompted an outpouring of devotion and led to his canonization as a saint by Pope Alexander III in 1173. The cult of Thomas Becket proliferated throughout Europe, making him one of the most venerated saints of the medieval period. Moreover, his death became a catalyst for strengthening the powers of the church against the monarchy in England.
Common Misspellings for THOMAS BECKET
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Etymology of THOMAS BECKET
The word "Thomas Becket" is not a compound word with a specific etymology. "Thomas" is a given name derived from the Aramaic name "Toma", meaning "twin". "Becket" is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "beket", which means "little brook" or "streamlet". The name "Becket" could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a small stream or a habitational name for someone from a place named after a stream. However, in this case, "Thomas Becket" refers specifically to St. Thomas Becket, the 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred and canonized by the Catholic Church.
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