— simonist , n.
/suy"meuh nee, sim"euh-/ , n.
1. the making of profit out of sacred things.
2. the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc.
[ 1175-1225; ME simonie simonia; so called from Simon Magus, who tried to purchase apostolic powers; see SIMON (def. 5), -Y 3 ]