simony

(mə nē, simə-)

noun

the buying or selling of sacred or spiritual things, as sacraments or benefices

Origin: ME simonie < OFr < ML(Ec) simonia, after Simon Magus

See simony in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
The buying or selling of ecclesiastical pardons, offices, or emoluments.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English simonie

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin simōnia

Origin: , after Simon Magus, a sorcerer who tried to buy spiritual powers from the Apostle Peter (Acts 8:9-24)

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Related Forms:

  • siˈmo·nist noun
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