The Only Use of
interdict
in
Macbeth
- O nation miserable,
With an untitled tyrant bloody-sceptered,
When shalt thou see thy wholesome days again,
Since that the truest issue of thy throne
By his own interdiction stands accursed
And does blaspheme his breed?p. 147.1interdiction = prohibition of involvementeditor's notes: Duncan's lines could be paraphrased respectively as,
Oh miserable nation (Scotland)
With an illegitimate and cruel leader (Macbeth) who seized power via murder.
When will you see good days again?
Since the true heir of your throne (Malcolm)
By his own prohibition of involvement (self-exile) is cursed
And dishonors his royal lineage.
Definitions:
-
(1)
(interdict) to stop or hamper - especially through authoritative prohibition
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Specialized senses:
Religious: an ecclesiastical censure by the Roman Catholic Church withdrawing certain sacraments and Christian burial from a person or all persons in a particular district
Law: a court order prohibiting a party from doing a certain activity
Law enforcement: police action to prevent something such as trafficking of drugs or illegal aliens
Military: destroy by firepower, such as an enemy's line of communication