simony

[ sahy-muh-nee, sim-uh- ]

noun

1. the making of profit out of sacred things.
2. the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc.

simony

/ ˈsaɪmənɪ /

noun

1. Christianity the practice, now usually regarded as a sin, of buying or selling spiritual or Church benefits such as pardons, relics, etc, or preferments

Derived Forms

• ˈsimonist, noun

Other Words From

• simon·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of simony¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English simonie, from Late Latin simōnia; so called from Simon Magus, who tried to purchase apostolic powers; Simon ( def 5 ), -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of simony¹

C13: from Old French simonie, from Late Latin sīmōnia, from the name of Simon Magus

Example Sentences

I should have told him that in my opinion his attitude was simony—rank simony, and let it go at that.

From Project Gutenberg

But simony, or the sale of ecclesiastical benefices, was a still more alarming evil to the mind of Gregory.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not merely simony; it was as to who should be the supreme master of Germany and Italy, the emperor or the pope.

From Project Gutenberg

But enough deeds of immorality, tyranny, ambition and simony were found proved to justify the severest judgment.

From Project Gutenberg

He could not understand the selling of livings in England, and asked if it was not simony.

From Project Gutenberg