Popish (Adjective)
Meaning
Of or relating to or supporting Romanism; "the Roman Catholic Church".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The English Reformation was largely driven by a desire to break away from popish influence and create a separate national church.
- During the 17th century, many English Protestants viewed the art and architecture of the Roman Catholic Church as overly popish and decadent.
- The term 'popish' was often used by 16th-century English reformers to describe what they saw as the corrupt and superstitious practices of the Roman Catholic Church.
- In the eyes of many 18th-century English Protestants, the elaborate rituals and ornate decorations of the Roman Catholic Church seemed popish and idolatrous.
- The popish tendencies of some English monarchs led to concerns among Protestants about the potential for a return to Catholicism in England.