marprelate controversy

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A discussion carried on in a series of pamphlets attacking prelacy, issued in England by the Puritans “in 1588-9, at the cost and charge” of one bearing the pseudonym of “Martin Marprelate, gent.”
2. n. These pamphlets were printed secretly, the press used for the purpose being carried about from place to place to escape seizure. John Penry, Udall, and others are supposed to have been the writers of the tracts.