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

The spokesperson for the archdiocese did not respond to other questions raised by The Times, including allegations that the priest allowed Guillen and Rodriguez to speak to worshipers about their candidacy on church grounds in August.

From Los Angeles Times

The slaying of a Roman Catholic priest.

From Los Angeles Times

Two journalists have been slain in recent weeks, as well as a beloved indigenous priest.

From Los Angeles Times

Anglican priest Giles Fraser told the BBC the Most Rev Justin Welby had "lost the confidence of his clergy" and his position was untenable.

From BBC

Suddenly, Jackson’s career was kicked into the stratosphere and Jones was regarded as the high priest of pop music.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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