clericalism

[ kler-i-kuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

clerical principles.
clerical power or influence in government, politics, etc. (distinguished from laicism).

support of such power or influence.

Origin of clericalism

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

Other words from clericalism

cler·i·cal·ist, noun

Words Nearby clericalism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use clericalism in a sentence

There is a long history of official anti-clericalism in Mexico, but the atmosphere in Tierra Caliente goes far beyond that.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder | Jason McGahan | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
To divert the attention of the crowd from a demagogue who shouted, 'clericalism is the great enemy!'
The Surprises of Life | Georges Clemenceau
The repression of clericalism was only a part of the scheme for a legalised Despotism.
Ten Tudor Statesmen | Arthur D. Innes
The book was intended to draw the fire of the enemy, clericalism, and it did.
Major Prophets of To-Day | Edwin E. Slosson
But he had attained a minor prominence in the debates of the Senate by his ardent anti-clericalism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7 | Various

In the chamber he was president of the group of the left centre, standing strongly for the republic but against anti-clericalism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for clericalism

clericalism

/ (ˈklɛrɪkəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

a policy of upholding the power of the clergy
the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong

Derived forms of clericalism

clericalist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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