I like this definition, from wikipedia: "Pragmatic sanction, historically, a sovereign's solemn decree which addresses a matter of primary importance and which

I like this definition, from wikipedia: "Pragmatic sanction, historically, a sovereign's solemn decree which addresses a matter of primary importance and which has the force of fundamental law" It has just been corrupted in various ways. It's no longer only a sovereign's decree, but any authority. It doesn't necessarily have primary importance. And the force it carries depends on the authority.