priestcraft
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈpriːstkræft/
- Offensive
- Critics argue that the priestcraft practiced by certain groups undermines genuine spirituality and promotes fear.
Examples
-
Taking pay for preaching is called priestcraft.
Blog text (8) -
That is the very definition of priestcraft.
Blog text (12) -
"Or, they could opt for 'Things As They Will Be' under the Republicans: 'Good government without the aid of priestcraft or religious politics.'"
Academic text (1997) -
It is also notable for its emphasis on direct experience and the absence of both dogma and priestcraft.
Blog text (32) -
Young denounces kings, war, and priestcraft, and characterizes war as anti-Christian, describing Europe as "a small field, where kings run mad" (IX.1783-84).
Academic text (2016) -
They are abject slaves to the despotism of their government, and they are humiliated by tyranny, the worst of all tyrannies, the despotism of priestcraft.
Blog text (21) -
America is the idea of emancipation: abolish kingcraft, slavery, feudalism, blackletter monopoly, pull down gallows, explode priestcraft, tariff, and open the doors of the sea to all immigrants.
Academic text (2001) -
Throughout history, many rulers have used priestcraft to manipulate public opinion and maintain their power.
-
The novel critiques the priestcraft of religious leaders who exploit their influence for personal gain.
Synonyms
1
9.9
Support for giving religious leaders more power in politics
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word priestcraft joins priest and craft, where craft once meant both 'skill' and 'trick', like the English word crafty. So priestcraft is easy to remember as priests using skill or tricks to control people for personal or group gain, which is why it means the use of religious power to control or benefit themselves.