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A.Word.A.Day--hagiarchy hagiarchy (HAG-ee-ar-kee, HAY-jee-) noun A government by holy persons. Also a place thus governed. [From Greek hagi- (holy) + -archy (rule).] Two synonyms of this term are hagiocracy and hierocracy. Also, literally speaking, hierarchy is the rule of the high priest. "[Brazil's] drug lords are altar boys compared with the Mexican and Colombian hagiarchy." Mac Margolis; Brazil's New Drug Habit; Newsweek International; May 28, 2001. This week's theme: words relating to religion. X-Bonus It is human nature to hate the man whom you have hurt. -Publius Cornelius Tacitus, historian (c.55-c.120)

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