Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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ILLICIT

That which is unlawful, or contrary to established prescriptions, but not necessarily invalid. Thus, according to ecclesiastical law many elements are prescribed, but not all (or most of them) are strictly necessary for a valid act or, in the sacraments, valid administration. (Etym. Latin illicitus, not allowed, forbidden, unlawful; from licere, to be permitted.)