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Webster 1913 Edition

Priestcraft

Priest′craftˊ

,
Noun.
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.
It is better that men should be governed by
priestcraft
than by violence.
Macaulay.

Webster 1828 Edition

Priestcraft

PRIE'STCRAFT

,
Noun.
[priest and craft.] The stratagems and frauds of priests; fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management of selfish and ambitious priests to gain wealth and power, or to impose on the credulity of others.

Definition 2024

priestcraft

priestcraft

English

Noun

priestcraft ‎(usually uncountable, plural priestcrafts)

  1. The craft of performing the duties of a priest.
  2. (pejorative) Priestly policy directed towards worldly ends.
    • 1681, John Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel:
      In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, before polygamy was made a sin
    • 1831, The Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29
      He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
    • 1891, Horace (Horatio) Smith, Address to a Mummy:
      Perhaps thou wert a priest,--if so, my struggles / Are vain, for priestcraft never owns its juggles.

Etymology

priest +‎ craft.

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