priestcraft

American  

[preest-kraft, -krahft] / ˈpristˌkræft, -ˌkrɑft /

noun

1. the training, knowledge, and abilities necessary to a priest.

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priestcraft British  

/ ˈpriːstˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. the art and skills involved in the work of a priest

2. derogatory the influence of priests upon politics or the use by them of secular power

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Etymology

Origin of priestcraft

First recorded in 1475–85; priest + craft

Example Sentences

Amid all the sins and failings, amid all the priestcraft and persecution and fanaticism that have defaced the Church, it has preserved, in the character and example of its Founder, an enduring principle of regeneration.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, where there was such excellent opportunity for raillery, Voltaire shows he had a genuine admiration for their simplicity of life, the courage of their convictions, their freedom from priestcraft, and their distaste for warfare.

From Project Gutenberg

The traffic of hope and fear has ever been a lucrative trade; and while fear became the staple commodity of priestcraft, hope was the fortune of medical quacks.

From Project Gutenberg

Against superstition, fanaticism and priestcraft they protested unceasingly.

From Project Gutenberg

On this question being interpreted to the watcher, he replied that treason had been their end, diabolical treason and priestcraft.

From Project Gutenberg