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CLARENCE

Volume 2 · 66 words · 1771 Edition

The constitutions of Clarendon, are certain ecclesiastical laws drawn up at Clarendon, near Salisbury. They were fifteen in number, all tending to restrain the power of the clergy, and readily assented to by all the bishops and barons, the archbishop Becket excepted, who opposed them at first, but was afterwards prevailed upon to sign them. The pope Alexander III. declared against and annulled most of them.