sacerdotalism

[ sas-er-doht-l-iz-uh m ]

/ ˌsæs ərˈdoʊt lˌɪz əm /

the system, spirit, or methods of the priesthood.

Usually Disparaging. priestcraft.

Origin of sacerdotalism

First recorded in 1840–50; sacerdotal + -ism

sac·er·do·tal·ist, noun

The church with its sacraments and its sacerdotalism is the disease of Christianity.

God The Invisible King |Herbert George Wells
It was simply an episode in the extension of feudalism and sacerdotalism.

A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume III |Henry Charles Lea
Massachusetts became the hot-bed of rebellion because of this unwonted alliance between liberality and sacerdotalism.

The Emancipation of Massachusetts |Brooks Adams
Sacerdotalism held its place with full consent of those who guided affairs.

The Expositor's Bible:The Book of Numbers |Robert A. Watson

Nevertheless he looked upon what he knew as "sacerdotalism" and "priestcraft" with unfeigned dislike and uneasiness.

A Lost Cause |Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull

sacerdotalism

/ (ˌsæsəˈdəʊtəˌlɪzəm) /

the principles, methods, etc, of the priesthood

the belief that ordained priests are endowed with sacramental and sacrificial powers

exaggerated respect for priests

derogatory power over people's opinions and actions achieved by priests through sophistry or guile

sacerdotalist, noun