Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ruling body composed of clergy: A system of government or a governing body where religious officials, such as priests or other clergy members, hold the ruling power.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The state was governed by a hierocracy, with all laws issued by the high priests.
  • Historians studied the ancient hierocracy that merged religious and political authority.

Advanced Usage

• "theocratic hierocracy": Often used to specify a ruling clergy within a theocratic system.
  • The nation's theocratic hierocracy made all final decisions on both spiritual and civil matters.

Variants and Related Words

• Hierocratic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of a hierocracy.
  • The society's hierocratic structure was firmly established.

Synonyms

• Theocracy: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.
• Clergy rule: Direct rule by the clergy.

Related Phrases

• Ecclesiastical government: A formal term for church-based governance, closely related to the concept of a hierocracy.

Noun

1. a ruling body composed of clergy