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

In the 1820s and '30s, there was the Workingmen's Movement, pitted against the evils of "kingcraft, priestcraft and lawyercraft."

From Time Magazine Archive

Human sacrifices were a result of priestcraft in Tonga, as in Greece.

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Lang, Andrew

True," said Kate, pointedly; "there would seem something of priestcraft in their r�gime.

From The Daltons, Volume II (of II) Or,Three Roads In Life by Lever, Charles James

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 Voltaire: A Sketch of his Life and Works by Foote, G. W. (George William)

The Reform party, led by Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Hincks, had denounced these views as the mere clap-trap of priestcraft.

From George Brown by Lewis, John