simony

noun

si·​mo·​ny ˈsī-mə-nē How to pronounce simony (audio) ˈsi- How to pronounce simony (audio)
: the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical preferment

Word History

Etymology

Middle English symonie, from Anglo-French simonie, from Late Latin simonia, from Simon Magus, Samaritan sorcerer in Acts 8: 9–24

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simony was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near simony

si monumentum requiris, circumspice

simony

simoom

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about simony

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