antipriestcraft
|an-ti-priest-craft|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈpriːst.kræft/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈpriːst.krɑːft/
opposition to priestly manipulation
Etymology
'antipriestcraft' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí' meaning 'against') combined with the compound 'priestcraft' (from Old English 'preost' for 'priest' and Old English 'cræft' meaning 'skill, craft').
'priestcraft' developed in Early Modern English as a critical compound describing priests' artifice or manipulative practices; later the prefix 'anti-' was attached to produce 'antipriestcraft' to denote opposition to such practices.
Initially the elements referred to 'priest' + 'craft' (skill/artifice), used critically of clerical behavior; over time the compound came to be used to indicate a general opposition to clerical influence or manipulative priestly authority.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to priestcraft; hostility to the influence, authority, or manipulative practices of priests or the clergy.
His essays expressed antipriestcraft and argued for a clear separation between church and state.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
describing a stance, argument, or sentiment that opposes priestcraft or clerical influence.
She gave an antipriestcraft speech criticizing clerical interference in politics.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/07 19:50