clericalism

[ kler-i-kuh-liz-uh m ]

/ ˈklɛr ɪ kəˌlɪz əm /

clerical principles.

clerical power or influence in government, politics, etc. (distinguished from laicism).

support of such power or influence.

Origin of clericalism

First recorded in 1860–65; clerical + -ism

cler·i·cal·ist, noun

The Ministers were at variance on many political questions, but united as to clericalism.

A History of the Third French Republic |C. H. C. Wright
Clericalism, like any other concept, is more than a set of ideas.

Herein is Love |Reuel L. Howe
Clericalism claimed its bond from the monarchy which it had helped to restore.

History of Modern Europe 1972-1878 |C. A. Fyffe
To divert the attention of the crowd from a demagogue who shouted, 'Clericalism is the great enemy!'

The Surprises of Life |Georges Clemenceau

You are all familiar with the remark of one of her great statesmen, Gambetta: "The enemy, it is clericalism."

The Church In Politics--Americans Beware! |M. M. Mangasarian

clericalism

/ (ˈklɛrɪkəˌlɪzəm) /

a policy of upholding the power of the clergy

the power of the clergy esp when excessively strong

clericalist, noun