Nicolaitism

English

Alternative forms

• nicolaitism, nikolaitism

Etymology

From Nicolaite +‎ -ism.

Noun

Nicolaitism (uncountable)

1. (historical) The practices of the Nicolaitan sect; libertinism, especially among the clergy; clerical marriage. [from 17th c.]
   • 2005, Alberto Ferreiro, Simon Magus in Patristic, Medieval and Early Modern Traditions, page 113:

     By the time Irenaeus's generation was writing the topos of Nicolaitism was already developed enough to be harnessed to condemn individuals or groups for alleged sexual immorality.

   • 2016, Peter H. Wilson, The Holy Roman Empire, Penguin, published 2017, page 53:

     Leo IX held at least 12 synods on his own initiative across Italy, France and Germany between 1049 and 1053, demonstrating active and credible leadership with decrees against simony and nikolaitism.

Anagrams

• antiloimics