sacerdotalism

American  

[sas-er-doht-l-iz-uhm] / ˌsæs ərˈdoʊt lˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the system, spirit, or methods of the priesthood.

2. Usually Disparaging. priestcraft.

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Other Word Forms

• sacerdotalist noun

Etymology

Origin of sacerdotalism

First recorded in 1840–50; sacerdotal + -ism

Example Sentences

The sale of indulgences illustrates effectively the sacerdotalism which formed the distinguishing feature of medi�val religion.

From A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume I by Lea, Henry Charles

Instead," said Liebknecht, "of squandering our strength in a struggle with the Church and sacerdotalism, let us go to the root of the matter.

From Contemporary Socialism by Rae, John

The majority of these men have wholly lost the flavour of sacerdotalism.

From A Book of Prefaces by Mencken, H. L. (Henry Louis)

Moreover, the theories of Dionysius about the earthly and heavenly hierarchies were by no means unwelcome to sacerdotalism.

From Christian Mysticism by Inge, William Ralph

Schwenckfeld has cut away completely from sacerdotalism and has returned, as far as with his limited historical insight he knew how to do it, to the ideal of the primitive Apostolic Church.

From Spiritual Reformers in the 16th & 17th Centuries by Jones, Rufus Matthew