Definition and Citations:
In ecclesiastical law. A grievance made known by a clerk or other person, tothe archbishop of the province, against the ordinary, for delaying or refusing to dojustice in some cause ecclesiastical, as to give sentence, institute a clerk, etc. It istermed a “double complaint,” because it is most commonly made against both thejudge and him at whose suit justice is denied or delayed ; the effect whereof is that thearchbishop. taking notice of the delay, directs his letters. under his autlientical seal, toall clerks of his province, commanding them to admonish the ordinary, within a certainnumber of days, to do the justice required, or otherwise to appear before him or hisofficial, and there allege the cause of his delay; and to signify to the ordinary that if heneither perform the thing enjoined, nor appear nor show cause against it, he himself, iuhis court of audience, will forthwith proceed to do the justice that is due.Cowell.