Progression

hagiarchy (HAG-ee-ar-kee, HAY-jee-) noun

A government by holy persons. Also a place thus governed.

[From Greek hagi- (holy) + -archy (rule).]

Two synonyms of this term are hagiocracy and hierocracy. Also, literally speaking, hierarchy is the rule of the high priest.

"[Brazil's] drug lords are altar boys compared with the Mexican and Colombian hagiarchy."
Mac Margolis; Brazil's New Drug Habit; Newsweek International; May 28, 2001.

This week's theme: words relating to religion.

Permalink:
http://wordsmith.org/words/hagiarchy.html

Posted by Keya at April 14, 2005 07:50 PM