— theocratic /thee'euh krat"ik/ , theocratical , adj. — theocratically , adv.
/thee ok"reuh see/ , n. , pl. theocracies .
1. a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God's or deity's laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authorities.
2. a system of government by priests claiming a divine commission.
3. a commonwealth or state under such a form or system of government.
[ 1615-25; theokratía. See THEO-, -CRACY ]