pragmatic sanction

Noun

1.

pragmatic sanction - an imperial decree that becomes part of the fundamental law of the land

PRAGMATIC SANCTION, French law. This expression is used to designate those ordinances which concern the most important object of the civil or ecclesiastical administration. Merl. Repert, h.t.; 1 Fournel, Hist. des Avocats, 24, 38, 39. 2. In the civil law, the answer given by the emperors on questions of law, when consulted by a corporation or the citizens of a province, or of a, municipality, was called a pragmatic sanction. Lecons El. du Dr. Civ. Rom. Sec. 53. This differed from a rescript. (q.v.)

imperial decree