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Webster 1913 Edition

Simony

Sim′o-ny

,
Noun.
[F.
simonie
, LL.
simonia
, fr.
Simon
Magus, who wished to purchase the power of conferring the Holy Spirit.
Acts
viii.]
The crime of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferment; the corrupt presentation of any one to an ecclesiastical benefice for money or reward.
Piers Plowman.

Webster 1828 Edition

Simony

SIM'ONY

,
Noun.
[from Simon Magus, who wished to purchase the power of conferring the Holy Spirit. Act 8.] The crime of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferment; or the corrupt presentation of any one to an ecclesiastical benefice of money or reward. By Stat. 31 Elizabeth,
c.
6. severe penalties are enacted against this crime.

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