simony Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun traffic in ecclesiastical offices or preferments
    barratry.

WordNet

Sim"o*ny noun
Etymology
F. simonie, LL. simonia, fr. Simon Magus, who wished to purchase the power of conferring the Holy Spirit. Acts viii.
Definitions
  1. The crime of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferment; the corrupt presentation of any one to an ecclesiastical benefice for money or reward. Piers Plowman.

Webster 1913