different between priestly vs priestcraft

English

Etymology

From Middle English prestly; equivalent to priest +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?p?i?stli/

Adjective

priestly (comparative more priestly or priestlier, superlative most priestly or priestliest)

1. Of or relating to priests; order of the priests; high religious position.
2. Having the appearance of or resembling a priest.

Synonyms

• hieratic (Grecian)
• sacerdotal (Latinate)

Translations

Anagrams

• spritely

English

Etymology

priest +? -craft.

Noun

priestcraft (usually uncountable, plural priestcrafts)

1. The craft of performing the duties of a priest.
2. (derogatory) Priestly policy directed towards worldly ends.
   • 1681, John Dryden, Absalom and Achitophel:

     In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, before polygamy was made a sin

   • 1831, The Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29

     He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

   • 1891, Horace (Horatio) Smith, Address to a Mummy:

     Perhaps thou wert a priest,--if so, my struggles / Are vain, for priestcraft never owns its juggles.

Anagrams

• afterscript