epieikeia
noun
ep·i·ei·keia
\ˌepēˌīˈkīə\
variants: or
epikeia
\ˌepəˈkīə\Definition of epieikeia
-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
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Origin and Etymology of epieikeia
Greek epieikeia reasonableness, equity, from epieikēs suitable, reasonable + -ia -y
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