Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
simony
Noun
/ˈsɪm.ə.ni/
Definition
The act of buying or selling spiritual things, particularly ecclesiastical positions or privileges.
Examples
- In the past, simony was often a subject of scandal within the church.
- The reformers fought against simony to restore integrity to religious offices.
- He was accused of simony after being offered a large sum for a bishopric.
Meaning
Simony refers to the corrupt practice of exchanging money or goods for spiritual blessings or positions within a religious context.
Synonyms
- spiritual corruption
- ecclesiastical bribery
- church corruption
