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.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
