church rate

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. (formerly in England and Ireland) a compulsory assessment imposed on the parishioners' holdings of houses or land in order to repair the parish church and maintain its services.

Word History and Origins

Origin of church rate¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

In 1833 the Church-rate question was originally raised in Bungay, and many of the Dissenters refused to pay.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor rate is no longer made at the Vestry; the church rate is a thing of the past; and what is then left?

From Project Gutenberg

This was done at an expense of 5,000l., which was met by a church-rate of sixpence in the pound, spreading over three years.

From Project Gutenberg

This covers everything, and beyond it there is nothing but a church-rate, voluntarily given, amounting to about 25l.

From Project Gutenberg

On one occasion there was a most hot debate on the voting of a church-rate, which should embrace a new pulpit.

From Project Gutenberg