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Bible Encyclopedias
Ordinary
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (Lat. ordinarius) is a word used in common and canon law to designate one who has regular or immediate jurisdiction, in opposition to those who are extraordinarily appointed. In England the bishops: conmonly the ordinary fora diocese, and the archbishop for a province. Says Coke, in his Second Institute, p 398, "This word signifieth a bishop, or he or they iht have ordinary jurisdiction, and is derived ab'ordine and gives this quaint reason, that the name was selected for the purpose of keeping the individual who bears it in perpetual remembrance of "the high order and office that he is called unto." When the word is used at the present day, it generally, denotes either the individual who has the right to grant letters of administration of the effects of deceased persons, or him who has the right of ecclesiastical visitation. The ordinary of assizes and sessions was formerly a deputy of the bishop appointed to give malefactors the neck- verse — i.e. the verse which was read by a party to entitle him to the benefit of clergy. The ordinary of Newgate is a clergyman who attends on condemned culprits, and, as it is commonly expressed, prepares them for death.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Ordinary'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/o/ordinary.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
