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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—N

Nolo Episcopari

[I am unwilling to accept the office of bishop. ] A very general notion prevails that every bishop at consecration uses these words. Mr. Christian, in his notes to Blackstone, says, “The origin of these words and of this vulgar notion I have not been able to discover; the bishops certainly give no such refusal at present, and I am inclined to think they never did at any time in this country.” When the see of Bath and Wells was offered to Beveridge, he certainly exclaimed, “Nolo episcopari, ” but it was the private expression of his own heart, and not a form of words, in his case. Chamberlayne says in former times the person about to be elected bishop modestly refused the office twice, and if he did so a third time his refusal was accepted.

(Present State of England.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Nom
Nolle Prosequi
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  • Nolo Episcopari - Nolo Episcopari [I am unwilling to accept the office of bishop. ] A very general notion prevails ...
  • Fuga ad Salices - Fuga ad Salices (A). An affectation or pretence of denial; as, when Cæsar thrice refused the ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: N - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "N"

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