See also christianity; religion
collegialism
the belief that the church as an organization is independent of and equal to the state, with its highest authority lying in its collective membership.
diaconate
the rank or office of a deacon.
ecclesiarch
Eastern Church. sacristan.
ecclesiasticism
an excessive adherence to the doctrines and practices of the church. —ecclesiastic, n., adj. —ecclesiastical, adj.
ecclesioclasticism
Rare. an opposition to the church.
ecclesiography
a descriptive study of the church. —ecclesiographer, n. —ecclesiographic, ecclesiographical, adj.
ecclesiolatry
an intense devotion to church forms, authority, and traditions.
ecclesiology
1. the study of church building and decoration.
2. Theology. the doctrine of the church.
3. the policy and operations of the church. —ecclesiologist, n. —ecclesiologic, ecclesiological, adj.
ecclesiophobia
an abnormal fear or dislike of the church.
festilogy
a dissertation on church festivals.
hieromania
a mania for priests.
lectionary
a list of the lections, or texts, to be read in church services through-out the canonical year.
nonage
formerly, a ninth part of a parishioner’s movable property, which was claimed upon his death by the clergy in England. See also law.
precentor
a person who leads a church choir or congregation in singing.
sacristan
an official or cleric appointed curator of the vestments, sacred vessels, and relies of a religious body, church, or cathedral.
simony
the sin or offense of selling or granting for personal advantage church appointments, benefices, preferments, etc. —simoniac, simonist, n.
spoliation
Church Law. the taking of property by an incumbent upon resignation or any other departure. See also ships; theft; war.
