Noun
Priestly policy; the policy of a priesthood; esp., in an ill sense, fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management by priests to gain wealth and power by working upon the religious motives or credulity of others.
Source: Webster's dictionaryThe Sabbath, as now recognized and enforced, is one of the main pillars of Priestcraft and Superstition, and the stronghold of a merely ceremonial Religion. William Lloyd Garrison
The man or country that fights priestcraft and priests is to my mind striking deeper for freedom than can be struck anywhere. George Meredith
It is not Christianity, but priestcraft that has subjected woman as we find her. Lucretia Mott
Kingcraft and priestcraft have fell out so often, that 'tis a wonder this grand and ancient alliance is not broken off forever. Happy for mankind will it be when such a separation shall take place. James Otis
Too long has the public mind considered religion to be synonymous with priestcraft. Benjamin Lee Whorf
If the obstacles of bigotry and priestcraft can be surmounted, we may hope that common sense will suffice to do everything else. Thomas Jefferson