priest

[ preest ]

noun

1. a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and especially to make sacrificial offerings.
2. (in Christian use)
   1. a person ordained to the sacerdotal or pastoral office; a member of the clergy; minister.
   2. (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clergy of the order next below that of bishop, authorized to carry out the Christian ministry.
3. a minister of any religion.

verb (used with object)

1. to ordain as a priest.

priest

/ priːst /

noun

1. Christianity a person ordained to act as a mediator between God and man in administering the sacraments, preaching, blessing, guiding, etc
2. (in episcopal Churches) a minister in the second grade of the hierarchy of holy orders, ranking below a bishop but above a deacon
3. a minister of any religion
4. Judaism a descendant of the family of Aaron who has certain privileges in the synagogue service
5. (in some non-Christian religions) an official who offers sacrifice on behalf of the people and performs other religious ceremonies
6. sometimes capital a variety of fancy pigeon having a bald pate with a crest or peak at the back of the head
7. angling a small club used to kill fish caught

verb

1. to make a priest; ordain

priest

1. One who is designated an authority on religious matters. In some churches , especially the Anglican Communion , Eastern Orthodox Church , and Roman Catholic Church , the ordained church leader who serves a congregation of believers is called a priest. The priests in these churches administer the sacraments , preach, and care for the needs of their congregations. ( See also minister and pastor .)

Derived Forms

• ˈpriestˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• priestless adjective
• priestlike adjective adverb
• anti·priest adjective
• under·priest noun
• un·priestlike adjective adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of priest¹

before 900; Middle English prest ( e ), priest, Old English prēost, ultimately < Late Latin presbyter presbyter

Word History and Origins

Origin of priest¹

Old English prēost, apparently from presbyter ; related to Old High German prēster, Old French prestre

Example Sentences

He was then literally slapped around by the high priest, who pulled on his ears in an effort to produce tears.

From The Daily Beast

According to Wahlberg, his time in prison, as well as the guidance of a parish priest, helped him turn his life around.

From The Daily Beast

Amid accusations of infidelity, she told reporters in 1988 that she and the former priest were just fine.

From The Daily Beast

He speaks with the authority of a native of this land as well as the authority of priest.

From The Daily Beast

The priest for the Creole ceremony was Father Marcel Saint Jean.

From The Daily Beast

These residents then killed the parish priest, and without arms fled for safety to the mountain ravines.

From Project Gutenberg

Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life propped up the house, and in his days fortified the temple.

From Project Gutenberg

"Without doubt; true demons incarnate," replied the veracious priest.

From Project Gutenberg

He now knew no bounds to his wrath; and he proclaimed it in such a manner, that the terrified priest flew before him.

From Project Gutenberg

“My own mother nearly broke her heart because I would not become a priest,” said Aristide.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cleric
• elder
• father
• friar
• lama
• monk
• preacher
• rector