From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Related words and phrases.
Insermenté means not having taken the required oath; réfractaire describes resistance or refusal. Here both concern clergy who reject the revolutionary ecclesiastical oath. Clandestine worship continues despite surveillance, and the police sometimes close their eyes from fear of worshippers and residual reverence. The words identify a specific religious-political division rather than an inherent tendency of all clergy to commit violence.
Places to read
- Chapter XIV, paragraph 1Frenchle clergé réfractaire: the refractory clergy. The narrator describes concealed congregations and incomplete enforcement.
- Chapter XIV, paragraph 1Frenchun prêtre insermenté: a priest who refused the oath. He serves the chapel where Longuemare says Mass.