Suinisabtanism

Suinisabtanism (συνείσακτος, introduced with), a name given to the practice by which many of the clergy evaded the rigorous laws respecting-celibacy. It is sometimes called domesticism, and consisted in keeping female inmates in their dwellings, with whom they professed to live in chaste affection, but who were known to be concubines. Jerome and Chrysostom severely reprehended the clergy on account of the gross licentiousness of which they were guilty, while at the same time they were professing the highest purity. SEE AGAPETAE.