Jacobite

Sarah Densmore

A Jacobite is a believer in the royal British bloodline during the politically tumultuous times following the Popish Plot (1678) and the Exclusison Crisis (1681). The Jacobites believed that parliament should not interfere with the ascension to the British throne. Rather, they believed that the crown ought to pass to the staunchly Catholic James, brother of Protestant King Charles, following the King's death. Because Charles bore no legitimate sons, the Jacobite revolts were an effort to relieve the country of its anti-Catholic sentiments and policies by restoring James to the throne.

Jacobite is not to be confused with Jacobean, the period of rule under James I (1603-1625)

From: Norton Vol. C (p. 2087-2088)
Prof. Makdisi's lecture on John Dryden's "Absolom and Achitophel" (Feb 19, 2008)