INTERIM (Lat. interim, in the meantime), a word specially applied to certain edicts passed by imperial diets during the reformation in Germany with the object of temporarily settling controversial points of doctrine and ecclesiastical practice until they could be decided finally by a general council. The interim of Regensburg (Ratisbon) was promulgated in 1541; but the most famous example of such a modus vivendi was the interim of Augsburg (1548). This, drawn up at the bidding of Charles V. by Michael Helding, Julius von Pflug and Johannes Agricola, who represented orthodox catholic, Erasmian, and moderate Lutheran opinions respectively, was an ambiguous compromise, accepting on the one hand transubstantiation, the seven sacraments, adora tion of the Virgin and saints, and papal headship, but admitting on the other justification by faith, marriage of priests, and lay communion in both kinds. The variation permitted to Maurice of Saxony within his dominions was called the Leipzig interim, and was signed on Dec. 22, 1548.