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epieikeia

noun
ep·​i·​ei·​keia | \ ˌepēˌīˈkīə\
variants: or epikeia \ ˌepəˈkīə \
plural -s

Definition of epieikeia

: 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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History and Etymology for epieikeia

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

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