Pragmatic sanction

Pragmatic Prag*mat"ic, Pragmatical Prag*mat"ic*al, a. [L. pragmaticus busy, active, skilled in business, especially in law and state affairs, systematic, Gr. ?, fr. ? a thing done, business, fr. ? to do: cf. F. pragmatique. See {Practical}.] 1. Of or pertaining to business or to affairs; of the nature of business; practical; material; businesslike in habit or manner. [1913 Webster]

The next day . . . I began to be very pragmatical. --Evelyn. [1913 Webster]

We can not always be contemplative, diligent, or pragmatical, abroad; but have need of some delightful intermissions. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Low, pragmatical, earthly views of the gospel. --Hare. [1913 Webster]

2. Busy; specifically, busy in an objectionable way; officious; fussy and positive; meddlesome. ``Pragmatical officers of justice.'' --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

The fellow grew so pragmatical that he took upon him the government of my whole family. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]

3. Philosophical; dealing with causes, reasons, and effects, rather than with details and circumstances; -- said of literature. ``Pragmatic history.'' --Sir W. Hamilton. ``Pragmatic poetry.'' --M. Arnold. [1913 Webster]

{Pragmatic sanction}, a solemn ordinance or decree issued by the head or legislature of a state upon weighty matters; -- a term derived from the Byzantine empire. In European history, two decrees under this name are particularly celebrated. One of these, issued by Charles VII. of France, A. D. 1438, was the foundation of the liberties of the Gallican church; the other, issued by Charles VI. of Germany, A. D. 1724, settled his hereditary dominions on his eldest daughter, the Archduchess Maria Theresa. [1913 Webster]