INTERIM

(Lat. in the mean time.) In modern European History, the name given to a decree of the Emperor Charles V. after the overthrow of the Protestant League of Smalcalde, in which he attempted to reduce to harmony the conflicting opinions of the Protestants and Romanists. The use of the cap, however, and the marriage of the clergy, were the only points which he conceded to the Reformers; and it became a question among them, and gave rise to many serious disputes, whether they could conscientiously submit even to a temporary decree of such a nature. The enactments of the interim were intended only to remain in force till some definitive settlement could be made; whence it derives the name by which It is generally known. It received the force of law at the Diet of Augsburg, in 1548. Its provisions against the Protestants were, however, in most respects set aside by the treaty of Pa au, 1552. (See i\/osAmw, vol. i v.) [s. 620]