priesthood

[ preest-hood ]

noun

1. the condition or office of a priest.
2. priests collectively.

Other Words From

• anti·priesthood adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priesthood¹

before 900; Middle English presthed ( e ), presthod ( e ), Old English prēosthād. See priest, -hood

Example Sentences

“I don’t understand women not being part of the priesthood. In the end I think the more inclusive a religion is, the stronger that religion is.”

From Los Angeles Times

Another priest, Father Michael Baker — one of the church’s most prolific abusers — had been accused of molesting at least 40 boys during his decades in the priesthood.

From Los Angeles Times

Mahony did not ask for specifics and appeared willing to let him remain in the priesthood, Baker said.

From Los Angeles Times

At the Italian Bishops' Conference, the pope reportedly said gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood, adding there was already an air of frociaggine, which translates as a highly offensive slur.

From BBC

When asked at the Italian Bishops’ Conference if gay men should now be allowed to train for the priesthood as long as they remained celibate, Pope Francis said they should not.

From BBC