ACT OF SETTLEMENT, in British history, a name given to the statute 12 and 13 Will. III. cap. 2. whereby the crown was limited to his present majesty's illustrious house; and some new provisions were added, at the same fortunate era, for better securing our religion, laws, and liberties: which the statute declares to be the birthright of the people of England, according to the ancient doctrine of the common law.