Antoine de Mouchy
Encyclopedia
Antoine de Mouchy (b. 1494, at Ressons-sur-Matz
, near Beauvais
, in Picardy
; d. 8 May 1574) was a French theologian and canonist, at Paris.
A traditional explanation of the French term mouchard, meaning police spy or informer, is that it derived from his use of intelligence-gathering networks, when working as an inquisitor. This folk-etymology was adopted by Voltaire
, following François-Eudes de Mézeray
. It has been plausibly contested, on the grounds that the word is found used in the fifteenth century. The derivation from mouche (fly) is preferred.
. He was also professor at the Sorbonne and canon Penitentiarius
of Noyon
. He was one of a group of Sorbonne doctors who in the 1550s began detailed scholarship on lists of bishops, to support the apostolic succession
.
As inquisitor fidei he exerted his influence against the Calvinists, and was a judge at the heresy trial of Anne du Bourg
. In a 1560 book he accused Calvinists of sexual libertinism, practiced after the end of religious services.
In 1562 he accompanied Charles, Cardinal of Lorraine
to the Council of Trent
, and in 1564 was present at the Synod of Reims.
Ressons-sur-Matz
Ressons-sur-Matz is a village in northern France. It is designated municipally as a commune within the département of Oise.-References:*...
, near Beauvais
Beauvais
Beauvais is a city approximately by highway north of central Paris, in the northern French region of Picardie. It currently has a population of over 60,000 inhabitants.- History :...
, in Picardy
Picardy
This article is about the historical French province. For other uses, see Picardy .Picardy is a historical province of France, in the north of France...
; d. 8 May 1574) was a French theologian and canonist, at Paris.
A traditional explanation of the French term mouchard, meaning police spy or informer, is that it derived from his use of intelligence-gathering networks, when working as an inquisitor. This folk-etymology was adopted by Voltaire
Voltaire
François-Marie Arouet , better known by the pen name Voltaire , was a French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher famous for his wit and for his advocacy of civil liberties, including freedom of religion, free trade and separation of church and state...
, following François-Eudes de Mézeray
François-Eudes de Mézeray
François Eudes de Mézeray was a French historian.He was born at Rye near Argentan, where his father was a surgeon.He had two brothers, one of whom, Jean-Eudes, was the founder of the order of the Eudists. François studied at the University of Caen, and completed his education at the College of Ste...
. It has been plausibly contested, on the grounds that the word is found used in the fifteenth century. The derivation from mouche (fly) is preferred.
Life
In 1539 he was appointed rector of the University of ParisUniversity of Paris
The University of Paris was a university located in Paris, France and one of the earliest to be established in Europe. It was founded in the mid 12th century, and officially recognized as a university probably between 1160 and 1250...
. He was also professor at the Sorbonne and canon Penitentiarius
Canon Penitentiarius
A canon penitentiary is a member of the chapter at cathedral or collegiate churches, who acts as a general confessor of the diocese. He has ordinary jurisdiction in the internal forum, which power, however, he may not delegate to others, and may absolve residents and strangers in the diocese and...
of Noyon
Noyon
Noyon is a commune in the Oise department in northern France.It lies on the Oise Canal, 100 km north of Paris.-History:...
. He was one of a group of Sorbonne doctors who in the 1550s began detailed scholarship on lists of bishops, to support the apostolic succession
Apostolic Succession
Apostolic succession is a doctrine, held by some Christian denominations, which asserts that the chosen successors of the Twelve Apostles, from the first century to the present day, have inherited the spiritual, ecclesiastical and sacramental authority, power, and responsibility that were...
.
As inquisitor fidei he exerted his influence against the Calvinists, and was a judge at the heresy trial of Anne du Bourg
Anne du Bourg
Anne du Bourg was a French magistrat, nephew of the chancellor Antoine du Bourg.Educated at the university of Orléans, he became professor and had Étienne de la Boétie as a student. He became counsellor of the Parliament of Paris in 1557...
. In a 1560 book he accused Calvinists of sexual libertinism, practiced after the end of religious services.
In 1562 he accompanied Charles, Cardinal of Lorraine
Charles, Cardinal of Lorraine
Charles de Lorraine , Duke of Chevreuse, was a French Cardinal, a member of the powerful House of Guise. He was known at first as the Cardinal of Guise, and then as the second Cardinal of Lorraine, after the death of his uncle, John, Cardinal of Lorraine . He was the protector of Rabelais and...
to the Council of Trent
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent was the 16th-century Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church. It is considered to be one of the Church's most important councils. It convened in Trent between December 13, 1545, and December 4, 1563 in twenty-five sessions for three periods...
, and in 1564 was present at the Synod of Reims.