church-rate
A rate upon the assessed property within a parish, in England and Ireland, levied by resolution of the vestry, for the maintenance of the church and its services. In 1868 the compulsory rate was abolished, except in cases, where, though bearing this name, it had been mortgaged or was applied to secular purposes.
| 1712 Prideaux Direct. Ch.-wardens (ed. 4) 57 A Church-Rate is to be made. 1857 Toulm. Smith Parish 50 A Church Rate..has never been good and valid on any other ground than because it is made by a Bye Law of a Parish. 1872 E. Peacock Mabel Heron I. iii. 54 His threats caused the church party to give up all hopes of a church-rate. |