church-robbing1
/ˈtʃəːtʃˌrɒbɪŋ/noun
The action or crime of stealing from a church.
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in John Jewel (1522–1571), bishop of Salisbury. From church + robbing.
church-robbing2
/ˈtʃəːtʃˌrɒbɪŋ/adjective
Of, relating to, or characterized by church-robbing; that steals from a church.
- Frequently with reference to the appropriation of Church property by the State..
Origin
Mid 16th century. From church + robbing. Compare earlier church robber.