hierocracy

American  

[hahy-uh-rok-ruh-see, hahy-rok-] / ˌhaɪ əˈrɒk rə si, haɪˈrɒk- /

noun

plural

hierocracies

1. rule or government by priests or ecclesiastics.

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hierocracy British  

/ ˌhaɪərəˈkrætɪk, ˌhaɪəˈrɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by priests or ecclesiastics

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Other Word Forms

• hierocratic adjective
• hierocratical adjective

Etymology

Origin of hierocracy

First recorded in 1785–95; hiero- + -cracy

Example Sentences

The problem would in this case still be the same, namely, to explain how it is that with and after the exile the hierocracy begins to come into practical activity.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius

The Book of Chronicles shows in what manner it was necessary to deal with the history of bygone times when it was assumed that the Mosaic hierocracy was their fundamental institution.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius

According to natural order, Vermont will emerge next, because least, after Rhode Island, under the yoke of hierocracy.

From Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 3 by Randolph, Thomas Jefferson

The policing of this combined fortress, sanctuary, and treasure house was left, even to the power of life and death, in the hands of the Sadducean hierocracy.

From Religion and the War by Various

The arbitrary proceeding of Joash did not well suit the ideas of an autonomous hierocracy.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius