noun
the doctrine that the state is supreme over the church in ecclesiastical matters
• Syn: ↑Erastianism, ↑Byzantinism
• Hypernyms: ↑theological doctrine
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\\|sēzə(ˌ)rōˈpāˌpizəm\ noun (-s)Usage: often capitalized
1. : exercise of supreme authority over ecclesiastical matters by a secular ruler
2. : government in which the church is subordinate to the state or a secular ruler — compare byzantinism, erastianism
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—caesaropapist, n., adj.
/see'zeuh roh pay"piz euhm/, n.
1. the possession of supreme authority over church and state by one person, often by a secular ruler.
2. the supremacy of the state over the church in ecclesiastical matters.
[1885-90; CAESAR + -O- + PAPISM]
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caesaropapism /sē-zə-rō-pāˈpizm/ noun
(also with cap; LL pāpa pope) control of the church by a secular ruler or by the state
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Main Entry: ↑Caesar
Useful english dictionary. 2012.