church rate

noun

: a rate upon the lands and houses in a parish in England or Ireland assessed on the occupiers for the maintenance of the church and its services compulsory by law until 1868 but now payable voluntarily or fixed at the request of the annual vestry meeting

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of church rate was in 1667

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Dictionary Entries Near church rate

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church rate

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Cite this Entry

“Church rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/church%20rate. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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