Clericalism
/ˈklɛr.ɪ.kəˌlɪz.əm/noun
The influence or control of clergy or church officials in political or social affairs.
Did you know?Its deepest root is Greek *klēros*, meaning “lot” or “inheritance,” because early Christian clergy were originally seen as a “chosen lot” set apart by divine allotment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱlē-
“to call, cry out”
Ancient Greek
Greek
klēros
“a lot, share, inheritance”
Late Latin
Latin
clericus
“clergyman, ecclesiastical person”
Old French
Old French
clergie
“the clergy; learned class”
19th Century
English
clericalism
“doctrines or influence favoring church authority in public life”
Modern English
English
clericalism
“the policy or power of clergy in social or political affairs”