In English law. An ecclesiastical court of very, formidable jurisdiction, for the vindication of the peace and dignity of the church, by reforming, ordering, and. correcting the ecclesiastical state and persons, and all manner of errors, heresies, schisms, abuses, offenses, contempts, and enormities. 3 Bl. Comm. 67. It was erected by St. 1 Eliz. c. 1, and abolished by 16 Car. L c. iL