noun
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a policy of upholding the power of the clergy
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the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of clericalism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He once used an unexpectedly shocking simile to denounce what he termed "hypocritical clericalism".
From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2025
Francis has often warned against clericalism during his papacy, and he picked up on that theme in Sunday’s homily.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 29, 2020
In 2016, he directed The Student, a film that mocked the country’s increasing clericalism and intolerance.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 17, 2020
His comments stand in stark contrast to those of Pope Francis, who has blamed the abuse crisis on clericalism, a view that excessively elevates priests and their authority.
From New York Times ● May 17, 2019
As in the case of clericalism, so it is in the case of churchism.
From Herein is Love A Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Love in Its Bearing on Personality, Parenthood, Teaching, and All Other Human Relationships. by Reuel L. Howe
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
