Priestcraft

Priestcraft
Priestcraft Priest"craft`, n. Priestly policy; the policy of a priesthood; esp., in an ill sense, fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management by priests to gain wealth and power by working upon the religious motives or credulity of others. [1913 Webster]

It is better that men should be governed by priestcraft than by violence. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • priestcraft — [prēst′kraft΄] n. the craft, methods, etc. of priests: now usually with reference to the unscrupulous use of a priestly office …   English World dictionary

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  • priestcraft — /preest kraft , krahft /, n. the training, knowledge, and abilities necessary to a priest. [1475 85; PRIEST + CRAFT] * * * …   Universalium

  • priestcraft — (Roget s IV) n. Syn. priesthood, clergy, monasticism; see ministry 2 …   English dictionary for students

  • priestcraft — noun often derogatory the knowledge and work of a priest …   English new terms dictionary

  • priestcraft — /ˈpristkraft/ (say preestkrahft) noun priestly arts …  

  • priestcraft — n. usu. derog. the work and influence of priests …   Useful english dictionary

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