Wolsey, Thomas
Pronunciation: /ˈwʊlzi/
Definition of Wolsey, Thomas
- (circa 1474–1530), English churchman and statesman; known as Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey dominated foreign and domestic policy in the early part of Henry VIII’s reign, but incurred royal displeasure through his failure to secure the papal dispensation necessary for Henry’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon. He was arrested on a charge of treason and died on his way to trial.