Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical figure: Hildebrand refers to Pope Gregory VII, an 11th-century pope known for his significant role in medieval church reform and his assertion of papal authority.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The reforms initiated by Hildebrand are central to understanding the Investiture Controversy.
  • Historians study the letters of Hildebrand to learn about medieval papal politics.

Advanced Usage

• "The spirit of Hildebrand": This phrase is sometimes used to denote a stance of strong, uncompromising ecclesiastical authority or reformist zeal.
  • The bishop's strict decrees were said to be inspired by the spirit of Hildebrand.

Variants and Related Words

• Gregory VII: This is the papal name of Hildebrand and is used interchangeably in historical texts.
  • Pope Gregory VII, born Hildebrand, was a key figure in the Gregorian Reform.

Synonyms

• Pope Gregory VII: The official papal name.
• The Gregorian Reformer: A descriptive term highlighting his role in the Gregorian Reform movement.

Related Phrases

• "Hildebrandine reform": A term used to describe the series of ecclesiastical reforms championed by Pope Gregory VII.
  • The Hildebrandine reform sought to eliminate simony and clerical marriage.

Noun

1. the Italian pope who fought to establish the supremacy of the pope over the Roman Catholic Church and the supremacy of the church over the state (1020-1085)