ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌizəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary sacerdotal + -ism
1. : a belief that assumes a necessity for an authorized priesthood as a mediator between men and their divine needs or aspirations or the doctrine based on such an assumption
2. : undue emphasis on the need for or the authority of a priesthood or of priests