Definitions

1. noun

A system or practice of government, business, or other institutions in which administrative tasks are handled by a bureaucracy of clerks or officials, often in a routine, impersonal, or unresponsive manner.

“The city’s clericalism was criticized for being slow to respond to citizen complaints.”

2. noun

A policy or attitude of giving priority to the interests of a group of officials or administrators, especially in a way that is opposed to those of ordinary people.

“The government’s clericalism was seen as a major obstacle to reform.”