clericalism

American  

[kler-i-kuh-liz-uhm] / ˈklɛr ɪ kəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. clerical principles.

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

3. support of such power or influence.

---

clericalism British  

/ ˈklɛrɪkəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of upholding the power of the clergy

2. the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong

---

Other Word Forms

• clericalist noun

Etymology

Origin of clericalism

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

Example Sentences

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

Francis instead has frequently attributed the crisis to clericalism, a systemic abuse of power and the unhealthy pursuit of authority within the church’s hierarchy.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2019

Gambetta and he fought against clericalism, and labored for secular education, because they were both Freethinkers as well as Republicans.

From Flowers of Freethought (Second Series) by Foote, G. W. (George William)