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Vinony

clericalism

noun

  1. deferral to ordained priesthood in spiritual or secular matters
L58647 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈklɛ.ɹɪ.k(ə)ˌlɪ.z(ə)m/

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English clerical Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō) Proto-Indo-European *-mos Proto-Indo-European *-mós Ancient Greek -μός (-mós) Ancient Greek -ισμός (-ismós)der. English -ism English clericalism From clerical + -ism.

  1. Political or secular power invested in members of the clergy.

    “Ireland in decades past saw an excess of clericalism and disregard for the laity.”

    “'I think I am an anti-clerical,' Father Brown would say with a faint smile; 'but there wouldn't be half so much clericalism if they would only leave things to the clerics.'”