simony
[sahy-muh-nee, sim-uh-]
- the making of profit out of sacred things.
- the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc.
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Origin of simony
1175–1225; Middle English simonie < Late Latin simōnia; so called from Simon Magus, who tried to purchase apostolic powers; see Simon(def 5), -y3
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for simony
Historical Examples
Charges of that simony are common; conclusive proof there is none.
The Life of Cesare BorgiaRaphael Sabatini
The practice of simony has converted a temple into a loathsome stable.
The Rise of the Hugenots, Vol. 1 (of 2)Henry Martyn Baird
I should say myself that he'd dislike it several degrees more than he did the simony.
Lalage's LoversGeorge A. Birmingham
Then there comes a story of "simony," in which the influence of Worcester is again apparent.
Memorials of Old LondonVarious
As to his nepotism, simony, and fraud, there was no doubt at all.
The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume I.(of III) 1555-66John Lothrop Motley
simony
- Christianity the practice, now usually regarded as a sin, of buying or selling spiritual or Church benefits such as pardons, relics, etc, or preferments
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French simonie, from Late Latin sīmōnia, from the name of Simon Magus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for simony
n.
c.1200, "the sin of buying or selling sacred things," from Old French simonie "selling of church offices" (12c.), from Late Latin simonia, from Simon Magus, the Samaritan magician who was rebuked by Peter when he tried to buy the power of conferring the Holy Spirit (Acts viii:18-20). Related: Simoniac; simoniacal.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper