Degratia

/deɪ ˈɡreɪʃə/ noun

Definition

Latin phrase meaning 'by the grace of God'; historically used in royal titles and official documents to claim divine authority for rule.

Etymology

From Latin de 'by/from' + gratia 'grace/favor.' The full phrase is 'Dei gratia,' asserting that a ruler's power comes directly from God rather than from earthly sources.

Kelly Says

Medieval kings stamped 'By the Grace of God' on everything—coins, charters, official seals—to convince people they ruled by divine right, not just because they had the biggest army.

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