1. a person who supports or advocates for the power and influence of the clergy in political and social affairs
Usage: often used in historical or political contexts, particularly in discussions of church-state relations

1. relating to or supporting the political or social influence of the clergy
Usage: often used in historical or political discourse

Examples

• The clericalist movement sought to preserve the church's authority in government.
• Clericalist policies in 19th-century Spain gave the Catholic Church significant political power.
• He was known as a clericalist thinker who believed religious institutions should guide state decisions.
• The debate between clericalist and anticlerical factions shaped the nation's constitution.
• Clericalist influence declined as secular education expanded throughout the region.
• The clericalist faction opposed the separation of church and state.