simony
[ sahy-muh-nee, sim-uh- ]
/ ˈsaɪ mə ni, ˈsɪm ə- /
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noun
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
OTHER WORDS FROM simony
si·mon·ist, nounWords nearby simony
Simonov, Simon Peter, simon-pure, Simon says, Simonson, simony, Simon Zelotes, simoom, simp, simpatico, simper
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use simony in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for simony
simony
/ (ˈsaɪmənɪ) /
noun
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 of simony
simonist, nounWord Origin for simony
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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