priestly

[ preest-lee ]

adjective

, priest·li·er, priest·li·est.

1. of or relating to a priest; sacerdotal:

   priestly vestments.

2. characteristic of or befitting a priest.

ˈpriestly

/ ˈpriːstlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a priest

Derived Forms

• ˈpriestliness, noun

Other Words From

• priestli·ness noun
• non·priestly adjective
• pseudo·priestly adjective
• un·priestly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priestly¹

before 1000; Middle English prestli, Old English prēostlic. See priest, -ly

Example Sentences

He did not particularly enjoy his priestly duties, though, so he got a job as a teacher, which required him to enter the University of Vienna for advanced science education.

From Science News

The website Bishop Accountability keeps some of the most extensive records on allegations of priestly abuse available.

From The Daily Beast

Was Vogue editor Anna Wintour the inspiration for the harrowing Miranda Priestly in the book and film The Devil Wears Prada?

From The Daily Beast

Priestly celibacy, obviously: you'll naturally attract people who can't act on their sexual desires in public.

From The Daily Beast

They also admit to being what Clohessy calls a “one-issue group” in their battle against priestly sex abuse.

From The Daily Beast

The study also cites a reluctance among some sisters to embrace the “reservation of priestly ordination to men.”

From The Daily Beast

He told me himself, that ever since his ordination he has assumed what he calls a priestly garb.

From Project Gutenberg

The priestly city of On, a sort of university town, was consecrated to the worship of Ra, the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

It was then that Samuel arose, and he first appears as a pious boy, consecrated to priestly duties by a remarkable mother.

From Project Gutenberg

From the most remote times, the Cherokees have had one family set apart for the priestly office.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the priestly city, where education consists in being taught to play the hypocrite and to lie, traitors abound.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• doctrinal
• holy
• sacred
• sectarian
• theological