simony
Americannoun
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the making of profit out of sacred things.
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the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of simony
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English simonie, from Late Latin simōnia; so called from Simon Magus, who tried to purchase apostolic powers; see Simon ( def. 5 ), -y 3
Explanation
In some Christian churches, buying or selling something spiritual is known as simony. If a priest became a bishop by paying a bribe, that would be an act of simony. This crime mainly shows up in the histories of the Catholic Church and the Church of England. It wasn't uncommon during the 9th and 10th centuries for people to attempt to buy religious positions in the church to gain status or influence. Simony comes from the New Testament story of Simon Magus, who offered money to two apostles in exchange for the ability to perform miracles.
Vocabulary lists containing simony
Medieval Europe - Middle School
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Medieval Europe - High School
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Chapter 14
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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.
They condemned the sale of offices as a sin called simony and insisted that bishops should be elected by clergy, independent of a lord.
From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023
Pope Leo IX and Pope Gregory VII enforced Church laws against simony and the marriage of priests.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012
Senator Dial of that state charged Tolbert with political simony and the Senate failed to confirm the nomination.
From Time Magazine Archive
The Senators had heard this argument before, from impartial Senator Borah, whose vote had been for seating Mr. Smith, out of respect to Illinois, then ousting Mr. Smith to punish political simony.
From Time Magazine Archive
It would be simony to grant a benefice in exchange for work done as secretary, treasurer, or advisor.
From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome
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.
