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clericalism

noun
cler·​i·​cal·​ism | \ˈkler-i-kə-ˌli-zəm, ˈkle-ri-\

Definition of clericalism 

: a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy

Examples of clericalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Fortuyn carried the torch of the Dutch tradition of anti-clericalism. — chicagotribune.com, "The new Dutch disease is white nationalism," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clericalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of clericalism

1864, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of clericalism was in 1864

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More from Merriam-Webster on clericalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clericalism

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