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.
Jack Simony, director general of the foundation who came up with the idea for the photo, called them the “living embodiment of strength and resilience.”
From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023
He said Meir Nordlicht, Platinum’s chief investment officer, and Jack Simony, a portfolio manager, agreed to help.
From BusinessWeek • Dec. 31, 2011
I had been assured by Mr. Simony and Mr. Nordlicht that they would not let it blow up.”
From BusinessWeek • Dec. 31, 2011
Simony and Nordlicht haven’t been charged with any crime.
From BusinessWeek • Dec. 31, 2011
Simony is committed by acquiring spiritual things in return for a remuneration.
From Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint
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.
