defrock
UK[diːˈfrɒk]US[diːˈfrɑːk]
v
To formally remove a priest or minister from their position and privileges within the church.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
frock
de
remove
frock
priest's robe
Etymology
The word 'defrock' is a relatively modern English formation, coined in the 19th century. It is constructed from the prefix 'de-', indicating removal or deprivation, and the noun 'frock', which historically refers to the distinctive long gown worn by monks and later by clergy. The literal logic is "to remove the frock," where the garment metonymically represents the clerical office, status, and authority. Thus, the act of defrocking symbolically and legally strips a person of their religious identity and duties, much as removing the official robe would.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + frock (priest's robe)
- de: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "off, away, down, completely," used here to indicate removal or reversal.
- frock: A word of Germanic origin (via Old French froc), meaning a long, loose garment, specifically associated with the official robe worn by a monk or priest.
Examples
The bishop had no choice but to defrock the priest after the scandal was proven.
The process to defrock a minister can be lengthy and requires a formal ecclesiastical trial.
He was defrocked for violating the core tenets of the church's doctrine.