clericalism

From clerical + -ism.

• (General American, Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈklɛ.ɹɪ.k(ə)ˌlɪ.z(ə)m/

• Audio (UK):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: cle‧ri‧ca‧lism

clericalism (usually uncountable, plural clericalisms)

1. Political or secular power invested in members of the clergy.

   Ireland in decades past saw an excess of clericalism and disregard for the laity.

   • 1926, G. K. Chesterton, The Resurrection of Father Brown:

     'I think I am an anti-clerical,' Father Brown would say with a faint smile; 'but there wouldn't be half so much clericalism if they would only leave things to the clerics.'

• clericalist

• milliarcsec

Borrowed from French cléricalisme. By surface analysis, clerical +‎ -ism.

clericalism n (uncountable)

1. clericalism