divine right of kings

noun

1. the doctrine that the right of rule derives directly from God, not from the consent of the people.

divine right of kings

noun

1. history the concept that the right to rule derives from God and that kings are answerable for their actions to God alone

divine right of kings

1. 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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of divine right of kings¹

First recorded in 1735–45