Meaning of priest-ridden | Babel Free

Definitions

Dominated or plagued by priests.

Examples

“Cologne […] is much decayed within these Hundred Years, having been much Priest-ridden; a Misfortune that hath undone many other great Cities. The Jesuits have had so great Influence upon the Magistrates, that they prevailed with them to banish all Protestants […]”

“1726, William Rufus Chetwood, The Voyages and Adventures of Captain Robert Boyle, London: J. Watts, 3rd edition, 1735, p. 150, The Father finding the Man had too much Understanding to be Priest-ridden, thought it his best way to hold his Tongue.”

“[…] Padre Vicentio incautiously drove his heavy spurs into the flanks of his mule as that puzzled animal was hesitating on the brink of a steep declivity. Whether the poor beast was indignant at this novel outrage, or had been for some time reflecting on the evils of being priest-ridden, has not transpired; enough that he suddenly threw up his heels, pitching the reverend man over his head, and, having accomplished this feat, coolly dropped on his knees and tumbled after his rider.”

“We are an unfortunately priestridden race and always were and always will be till the end of the chapter.”

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