sacerdotalism
Americannoun
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the principles, methods, etc, of the priesthood
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the belief that ordained priests are endowed with sacramental and sacrificial powers
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exaggerated respect for priests
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derogatory power over people's opinions and actions achieved by priests through sophistry or guile
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sacerdotalism
First recorded in 1840–50; sacerdotal + -ism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The friendly competition of the two systems side by side helps to keep sacerdotalism modest and make independency effective.
From The Five Great Philosophies of Life by William De Witt Hyde
A dull acquiescence in the dictates of the Church may be crossed by an occasional gleam of rebellion against sacerdotalism, roused by some temporary stirring up of the hatred felt against the Jesuits.
From Spanish Life in Town and Country by William Harbutt Dawson
His treatment of Holy Communion in these Sacraments, as well as in sundry other designs, is an instance of the way in which he pushed full far his sacerdotalism.
From Overbeck by J. Beavington Atkinson
Huxley belabors the bishops because there is no use for sacerdotalism in his scheme of life.
From The Will to Believe : and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy by William James
In connexion with the sacraments grew up also the theory of clerical sacerdotalism.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3 "Chitral" to "Cincinnati" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
