noun
- the doctrine that the right of rule derives directly from God, not from the consent of the people.
noun
- history the concept that the right to rule derives from God and that kings are answerable for their actions to God alone
The doctrine that kings and queens have a God-given right to rule and that rebellion against them is a sin. This belief was common through the seventeenth century and was urged by such kings as Louis xiv of France. (See absolute monarchy.)