Pragmatic Sanction

Pragmatic Sanction (sometimes Pragmatic Rescript), a solemn ordinance or decree of the head of a kingdom relating either to church or state affairs. The term originated in the Byzantine empire, and signified a public and solemn decree by a prince (pragmatikos, 'business-like,' later, 'versed in affairs,' 'official'), as distinguished from the simple rescript, which was a declaration of law in answer to a question propounded by an individual. This name is given to several important treaties, of which the principal are (1) that of St Louis in 1269 and (2) that of Charles VII. in 1437, in both of which the rights of the Gallican Church (q.v.) were asserted; (3) the instrument which settled the empire of Germany in the House of Austria (1439); (4) the ordinance by which Charles VI., emperor of Germany, having no male issue, settled his dominions on his daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa; (5) the settlement of the succession of the kingdom of Naples, which was ceded by Charles III. of Spain, in 1759, to his third son and his descendants.