hierocracy

[ hahy-uh-rok-ruh-see, hahy-rok- ]

noun

, plural hi·er·oc·ra·cies.

1. rule or government by priests or ecclesiastics.

hierocracy

/ ˌhaɪərəˈkrætɪk; ˌhaɪəˈrɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by priests or ecclesiastics

Derived Forms

• hierocratic, adjective

Other Words From

• hi·er·o·crat·ic [hahy-er-, uh, -, krat, -ik, hahy-r, uh, -], hier·o·crati·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hierocracy¹

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

Example Sentences

Wellhausen ridicules the "fine" distinction between hierocracy and theocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

He met the inevitable demand of the hierocracy, "By what authority doest thou these things?"

From Project Gutenberg

The form of government is far nearer a democracy than a hierocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

And indeed this is the fatal result of every theocracy, for it can never really be anything but a hierocracy or rule of priests.

From Project Gutenberg

When a hierocracy has been firmly established its evolution always follows similar lines.

From Project Gutenberg