churchly

[ church-lee ]

adjective

1. of or appropriate for the church or a church; ecclesiastical:

   churchly vestments.

churchly

/ ˈtʃɜːtʃlɪ /

adjective

1. appropriate to, associated with, or suggestive of church life and customs

Derived Forms

• ˈchurchliness, noun

Other Words From

• churchli·ness noun
• un·churchly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of churchly¹

before 900; Old English ciriclīc, equivalent to cirice church + -līc -ly

Example Sentences

There is a corona of religious fervor around the court, a churchly ethos that threatens to turn our whole country upside down.

From New York Times

That theme, explored with light wit and deep humanity, makes this unabashedly churchly novel strikingly relevant to our conflicted political era.

From Washington Post

He unleashed raw operatic passion in soul-searching arias rather than a churchly Passion.

From Los Angeles Times

Nancy Stewart and granddaughter, Louise Coghlan, have been shielding together since March last year, and have set themselves a churchly challenge.

From BBC

In fact, for more traditional denominations, with a historical emphasis on social outreach, the novel coronavirus has demonstrated their commitment to churchly mission.

From Washington Times