
Illustration: Anu Garg
A.Word.A.Daywith Anu Garg
autocephality
PRONUNCIATION:
MEANING:
noun: Self-rule.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek auto- (self) + -cephal (head).
NOTES:
Autocephality is a fancy word for self-governance. It’s especially used in the context of Eastern Orthodox Churches that independently govern their spiritual affairs without a higher ecclesiastical authority. Think of it as running their own spiritual show. No higher-ups pulling the incense strings.
Not to be confused with autocephalopods. Those would be self-governing squids.