Excommunication

Exclusion of a person from the sacraments and communion of the Church.

Exclusion from the Church and its sacraments, a serious religious punishment that could also undermine a ruler’s authority.

Exclusion from the religious community of the Church; in medieval society, this could also weaken a person’s authority and support.

Exclusion of an individual from the communion of the Church.

Formal exclusion from membership of a Christian Church.

Exclusion from the Catholic Church by the Pope.

Exclusion from the communion of the Church, a religious punishment that could also weaken a ruler’s political authority.

A Church penalty excluding a person from receiving the sacraments, the Church’s sacred religious ceremonies.