hierocracy

American  

[hahy-uh-rok-ruh-see, hahy-rok-] / ˌhaɪ əˈrɒk rə si, haɪˈrɒk- /

noun

plural

hierocracies

1. rule or government by priests or ecclesiastics.

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hierocracy British  

/ ˌhaɪərəˈkrætɪk, ˌhaɪəˈrɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by priests or ecclesiastics

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Other Word Forms

• hierocratic adjective
• hierocratical adjective

Etymology

Origin of hierocracy

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

Example Sentences

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 Lectures on the Origin and Growth of Religion as Illustrated by the Native Religions of Mexico and Peru by R?ville, Albert

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

From Religion and the War by Various

The hierocracy towards which Ezekiel had already opened the way was simply inevitable.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius

For under the last-named the secularisation of the hierocracy no longer presented any attractive aspects; it was wholly repellent.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius

The arbitrary proceeding of Joash did not well suit the ideas of an autonomous hierocracy.

From Prolegomena by Wellhausen, Julius