magisterium means the teaching authority or office of the Roman Catholic Church. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 83 out of 100.
Why “magisterium” is a great word
The official teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, vested in the pope and the bishops in communion with him. Learned borrowing from Latin magisterium ("office of a president, chief; magisterium"), from magister ("master"). First attested in English 1585–95. Unlike "magistery" (an archaic term for a master's skill or a sovereign remedy) or "doctrine" (which denotes the specific teachings themselves), magisterium is the living, authoritative office that proclaims and interprets. It is the solemn pronouncement from the chair, the gathered weight of a council’s consensus, and the patient instruction of a catechism class—the human institution entrusted with an eternal charge, feeling always the cool, heavy burden of its keys.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin magisterium (“office of a president, chief; magisterium”), from magister (“master”). Equivalent to magister + -ium. Doublet of magistery.
noun
- The teaching authority or office of the Roman Catholic Church.
- An authoritative statement.
- The philosopher's stone.“This is the day, I am to perfect for him / The Magiſterium, our great worke, the Stone; […]”
Down the rabbit hole
Every word is a door. Follow one.