divine right

the theory or presumption that monarchs derive their authority to govern directly from God and not from the governed or any entity representative of them. The theory saw its heyday under the reigns of the English kings James I (1603–1625) and Charles I (1625–1649) and the French king Louis XIV (1643–1715). Also called divine right of kings. See also social contract.

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Psychology term of the day

January 3rd 2025

ring chromosome 18

a congenital chromosomal disorder characterized by microcephaly, ear and eye abnormalities, and mild to severe cognitive impairment. The condition is not hereditary but due to breakage of the arms of chromosome 18, which fuse to form one or more rings of varying sizes.