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Glite Dictionary
Jesuitry

Jesuitry

9.9
A way of using clever, often tricky religious or legal arguments
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛzʊɪtri/
  • Offensive
: jesuitismo
  • Some critics argue that Jesuitry employs ambiguous reasoning to justify complex moral dilemmas.

Examples

  • In discussions about ethics, Jesuitry is sometimes viewed as a method that bends rules while preserving appearances.

  • He declared that "the words Jesuitry and fanaticism can be equated with roguery and ignorance, superstition and stupidity."

    Academic text (1991)

  • The professor explained that Jesuitry often involves nuanced arguments that may appear clever at first.

Synonyms

Jesuitism
vsJesuitry
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A way of arguing and acting that is clever but seems unfair or secret

emphasizes theology and subtle casuistry rather than intrigue

Antonyms

honesty
329 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

clarity
181 3.0

How easy it is to understand what someone says or writes

How Casuistic

casuistry
  • Specialized
1 9.9
Jesuitry
  • Offensive
9.9

Surface Forms

jesuitry singular
jesuitries plural

Morphology

Jesuitry = Jesuit (semi-transparent) = Jesuit + ry

Formed by the noun 'Jesuit' + suffix '-ry' indicating a collective/practice, but the specialised and often pejorative sense of subtle or casuistic reasoning is a figurative development.

Etymology

Jesuitry comes from Jesuit, the name for members of the Catholic group the 'Society of Jesus', who were long known for careful, clever argument in religion and law. So, Jesuitry now often means clever or 'tricky' reasoning and practices.