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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈclericalist, noun
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Other Words From

  • cleri·cal·ist noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of clericalism1

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism
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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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clerical collarclericals