Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hagiarchy
noun
həˈɡɪə(r)ˌkɪ
Definition
A government or ruling body composed of saints or religious leaders.
Examples
- In some ancient cultures, the hagiarchy influenced both spiritual and political decisions.
- The hagiarchy of the monastery governed the everyday life of its members.
- Critics argued that the hagiarchy stifled individual freedoms in favor of collective religious conformity.
Meaning
The term refers to a hierarchical system of governance led by individuals considered to be holy or saintly, often found in religious contexts.
Synonyms
- Clerical hierarchy
- Saintly governance
- Religious oligarchy
