Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hagiarchies

noun

/ˈheɪɡiˌɑːr.kiz/

Definition

Hagiarchies refer to systems of ecclesiastical hierarchies, especially related to the veneration of saints.

Examples

The church operated within a framework of hagiarchies, where saints held significant influence over the community.
In many cultures, hagiarchies establish the order of saintly figures that guide followers in their spiritual journeys.

Meaning

The term combines ‘hagiography’ (the writing of the lives of saints) and ‘hierarchy’ (a system of organization), indicating a structured approach to the veneration and authority of saints within religious contexts.