Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

epieikeia

noun ep·i·ei·keia \ ˌepēˌīˈkīə \
variants: or epikeia \ˌepəˈkīə\

Definition of epieikeia

plural -s
: interpretation of a law of the Roman Catholic Church that presumes it not applicable in a case of hardship felt to violate natural law (as when a mother presumes she may miss mass rather than leave her baby alone) : equity
  • the epieikeia of the church

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of epieikeia

Greek epieikeia reasonableness, equity, from epieikēs suitable, reasonable + -ia -y

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up epieikeia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games