clericalism

[ kler-i-kuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. clerical principles.
2. clerical power or influence in government, politics, etc. ( laicism ).
3. support of such power or influence.

clericalism

/ ˈklɛrɪkəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of upholding the power of the clergy
2. the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong

Derived Forms

• ˈclericalist, noun

Other Words From

• cleri·cal·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clericalism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

Example Sentences

There is a long history of official anti-clericalism in Mexico, but the atmosphere in Tierra Caliente goes far beyond that.

From The Daily Beast

To divert the attention of the crowd from a demagogue who shouted, 'Clericalism is the great enemy!'

From Project Gutenberg

The repression of clericalism was only a part of the scheme for a legalised Despotism.

From Project Gutenberg

The book was intended to draw the fire of the enemy, clericalism, and it did.

From Project Gutenberg

But he had attained a minor prominence in the debates of the Senate by his ardent anti-clericalism.

From Project Gutenberg

In the chamber he was president of the group of the left centre, standing strongly for the republic but against anti-clericalism.

From Project Gutenberg