simoniac
/sɪˈmoʊniæk/
adjective
Origin
Latin
Simon Magus — relating to Simon the Sorcerer
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to or characterized by simony (the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, such as pardons or benefices).
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
simoniacus
Earliest period
Late Middle Ages
Journey
The term originates from the biblical account in Acts 8:9–24, where Simon Magus attempts to purchase the ability to bestow the Holy Spirit from the Apostles Peter and John. This established 'simony' as a major canonical crime in the Christian Church, specifically targeting the corruption of sacred offices for financial gain.
Evolution
- Classical/Biblical Latin
Simon Magus
“A figure in the Acts of the Apostles”
The namesake of the term, who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit
- Ecclesiastical Latin
simoniacus
“pertaining to the sin of simony”
The term became a specific legal and moral category in Church law
- Modern English
simoniac
“engaged in the sale of spiritual offices”
Often used as an adjective, though 'simoniacal' is also common
Connections
Word parts
Simon-
root
referring to Simon Magus
-iac
suffix
characterized by
Related words
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Related to simoniac
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.