High Church

American  

adjective

(sometimes lowercase)

1. pertaining to the view or practice in the Anglican church that emphasizes the Catholic tradition, especially in adherence to sacraments, rituals, and obedience to church authority.

---

High Church British  

noun

1. the party or movement within the Church of England stressing continuity with Catholic Christendom, the authority of bishops, and the importance of sacraments, rituals, and ceremonies Compare Broad Church Low Church

---

adjective

1. of or relating to this party or movement

Other Word Forms

• High Churchman noun
• High-Churchman noun

Etymology

Origin of High Church

First recorded in 1695–1705

Compare meaning

How does high-church compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• High Church vs. Low Church

Example Sentences

In return, Abigail “used her influence for the High Church and Harley, against the Whigs and Marlborough.”

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2018

After all, here they were, in a library — and a library, we were taught, was the High Church of “credible” authority.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2018

He is nostalgic and wistful, and his verse settles on the immutability of country lanes and thatched inns and of High Church Anglicanism.

From Washington Post • Aug. 5, 2016

I have always preferred early Eliot – I still think Prufrock the greatest of the poems – and this preachy, prosy, High Church sentiment has never been to my taste.

From The Guardian • Jan. 7, 2011

Among other peculiarities he, though very High Church in views, adopted a very secular style of dress.

From Lighter Moments from the Notebook of Bishop Walsham How by How, Frederick Douglas