priest-ridden
Adjective: "priest-ridden" describes a person, group, or society that is excessively controlled or dominated by priests or clergy, often to the point of being oppressed or hindered in thought and action. The term carries a strongly negative connotation, implying undue clerical influence that stifles independence or progress.
- (A society heavily controlled by priests.)
- (A government dominated by clerical authority.)
- (A community where priests hold excessive power.)
"priest-ridden society": a common phrase used to refer to a culture where religious leaders have disproportionate political, social, or educational control.
- The historian argued that the 17th-century colony was a priest-ridden society, with laws based entirely on religious doctrine. (A society where clergy wielded overwhelming influence.)
"priest-ridden family": refers to a household where a priest or clergy member dictates family decisions.
- She grew up in a priest-ridden family, where every meal and holiday was subject to clerical approval. (A family dominated by a priest's authority.)
Priest-riddenness (noun): the state or quality of being priest-ridden.
- The priest-riddenness of the region was evident in its strict religious laws. (The condition of being dominated by priests.)
Priest (noun): a person authorized to perform religious rites.
- Ridden (adj): dominated, harassed, or afflicted by something (e.g., guilt-ridden, debt-ridden).
- Clerical-dominated: controlled by clergy.
- Ecclesiastical-ruled: governed by church authorities.
- Theocratic: relating to a system of government by religious leaders (though broader in meaning).
Under the thumb of the clergy: completely controlled by priests or religious leaders.
- The town was firmly under the thumb of the clergy, with no room for dissent. (Completely dominated by priests.)
Priest-ridden as a term of criticism: Often used by secular or reformist writers to attack religious overreach.
- The essay condemned the priest-ridden educational system as a barrier to modern science. (Criticism of clerical control over schools.)