What does simony mean?
Simony is the practice of buying or selling religious offices, appointments, or other church benefits. In its traditional sense, the word refers specifically to transactions in which ecclesiastical position or authority could be acquired through money, influence, or improper payment. It is especially associated with medieval church history and the abuses that preceded the Protestant Reformation, including criticism of the sale of indulgences. The term may also be used figuratively to describe corrupt systems in which appointments or advantages are exchanged for payment or favoritism. Simony is relatively uncommon in everyday speech, but it remains useful as a precise historical and moral term for a particular form of institutional corruption.
nounThe buying or selling of ecclesiastical offices, especially church positions or benefits. The term is also used figuratively for corruption involving the exchange of offices or favors for payment.
- The buying or selling of ecclesiastical offices or benefits.
- More figuratively, corruption in which offices, appointments, or privileges are obtained through payment or improper influence.
"The church condemned simony as the practice of purchasing ecclesiastical office."
"The bishop was accused of simony after accepting money for a church appointment."
"The novel uses the sale of public offices as a form of political simony."
The plural is possible but rarely used.
"The reformer denounced the simonies practiced by corrupt church officials."
Simony takes its name from Simon the Magus, a figure traditionally associated with the earliest Christian accusation of buying and selling religious power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does simony come from?
The word comes through medieval Latin from the name Simon, associated with Simon Magus. In Christian tradition, Simon Magus was accused of attempting to purchase the power to confer the Holy Spirit, giving rise to the term for the buying or selling of ecclesiastical office. English borrowed the word in the medieval period, and later usage broadened it to include corruption in the granting of religious or public offices.
How simony is actually used
The word is uncommon in modern general use and is chiefly historical, religious, or legal. In extended use, it can refer more broadly to the corruption of appointments and offices through payment or favoritism, but its standard sense concerns the Church.
Easily confused with simony
No distinction is needed; simony is the headword itself.