1. refusing to take an oath of allegiance, especially referring to Anglican clergy who refused to swear loyalty to William and Mary after 1688
Usage: historical; British religious history

Examples

• The nonjuring bishops were deprived of their sees after refusing the oath.
• Many nonjuring clergy continued to hold services in private homes.
• The nonjuring movement represented a significant split in the Anglican Church.
• Nonjuring priests faced persecution for their refusal to acknowledge the new monarchs.
• The nonjuring schism lasted for several decades after the Revolution of 1688.
• Some nonjuring ministers eventually reconciled with the established church.