Court of arches

COURT OF ARCHES, eccl. law. The most ancient consistory court belonging to the archbishop of Canterbury for the trial of spiritual causes. It is so called, because it was anciently held in the church of Saint Mary le bow; which church had that appellation from its steeple, which was raised at the top with stone pillars, in the manner of an arch or bow. Termes de la Ley.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.