high priesthood

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of high priesthood¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Many such voices among the high priesthood of the church of the savvy and the other professional smart people have concluded that the Republican Party is in the midst of a "civil war" or is in "disarray" in the aftermath of Donald Trump's presidency.

From Salon

FOR the European Union’s high priesthood in Brussels, the right of people to live and work anywhere in Europe is sacred.

From Economist

But when he convened such a session this week to defend his strategy against the Islamic State and terrorism, he reached out beyond the usual high priesthood of foreign policy journalism to include younger writers with new media audiences.

From New York Times

The Royal Academy is the latest to embrace the sacred contemporary ritual of fundraising and its high priesthood, Kickstarter.

From The Guardian

In 172 BCE Antiochus sold the high priesthood to an unsavory character, Menelaus, an advocate for Hellenistic reforms who was not a member of the priestly family.

From Time