caesaropapism

noun

cae·​sa·​ro·​pa·​pism
¦sēzə(ˌ)rōˈpāˌpizəm
plural -s
often capitalized
1
: exercise of supreme authority over ecclesiastical matters by a secular ruler
2
: government in which the church is subordinate to the state or a secular ruler compare byzantinism , erastianism

Word History

Etymology

caesar + -o- + Late Latin papa pope + English -ism

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of caesaropapism was in 1862

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Dictionary Entries Near caesaropapism

Caesarism

caesaropapism

Caesar salad

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Cite this Entry

“Caesaropapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caesaropapism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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