Uniformity
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) Conformity to a pattern or rule; resemblance, consonance, or agreement; as, the uniformity of different churches in ceremonies or rites.
(2): ( n.) The quality or state of being uniform; freedom from variation or difference; resemblance to itself at all times; sameness of action, effect, etc., under like conditions; even tenor; as, the uniformity of design in a poem; the uniformity of nature.
(3): ( n.) Continued or unvaried sameness or likeness.
(4): ( n.) Consistency; sameness; as, the uniformity of a man's opinions.
(5): ( n.) Similitude between the parts of a whole; as, the uniformity of sides in a regular figure; beauty is said to consist in uniformity with variety.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
Regularity; a similitude or resemblance between the parts of a whole. The word is particularly used for one and the same form of public prayers, administration of sacraments, and other rites, &c. of the church of England, prescribed by the famous stat 1. Eliz. and 13, 14, Carol II. cap. 4. called the Act of Uniformity.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
The ecclesiastical use of this word is to denote the use of one and the same form of public prayers, administration of sacraments, and other rites, etc., prescribed by the Acts of Uniformity. The first of these was issued by Parliament during the reign of Elizabeth, and provided-for the first offence, forfeiture of one year's profits and six months imprisonment; for the second offense, deprivation of all spiritual promotions and imprisonment for one year; and for the third offence, deprivation of all spiritual promotions and imprisonment for life (see stat. 1 Eliz. c. 2, 4-8). According to the act passed in; the reign of Charles II, 1662, every person obtaining preferment in the Church or universities must declare his assent to everything contained in the Book of Commons Prayer. (See Conformity).
