hierocracy

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

noun

plural

hierocracies 

1. rule or government by priests or ecclesiastics.

hierocracy

/ ˌhaɪərəˈkrætɪk, ˌhaɪəˈrɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by priests or ecclesiastics

Other Word Forms

• hierocratic adjective
• hierocratical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hierocracy¹

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

Example Sentences

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 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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that the missionaries are nearly all English puts a slight sufficient chasm between the spiritual and civil powers, and avoids that worst peril of these places—hierocracy.

From Project Gutenberg