Popish Plot

American  

noun

1. an imaginary conspiracy against the crown of Great Britain on the part of English Roman Catholics, fabricated in 1678 by Titus Oates as a means of gaining power.

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Popish Plot British  

noun

1. a supposed conspiracy (1678) to murder Charles II of England and replace him with his Catholic brother James: in reality a fabrication by the informer Titus Oates

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Example Sentences

At the time of the Popish Plot in 1678 he displayed some moderation, refusing to believe the charges made against the duke of York, though he chose this time to publish some anti-Roman pamphlets.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various

The one just escaped the Civil War, the other the Popish Plot.

From Andrew Marvell by Morley, John

Titus Oates's invention, the Popish Plot, never would have found believers, had not men remembered the Gunpowder Plot.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 93, July, 1865 by Various

The tragic events in Godfrey’s life began in September 1678 when Titus Oates and two other men appeared before him with written information about the Popish Plot, and swore to the truth of their statements.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

You were saying e'en now, That The History of the Damnable Popish Plot was of your Writing; Answer me That Question, First; Was it so, or not?

From Citt and Bumpkin (1680) by L'Estrange, Sir Roger