priest
[ preest ]
/ prist /
noun
a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and especially to make sacrificial offerings.
(in Christian use)
- a person ordained to the sacerdotal or pastoral office; a member of the clergy; minister.
- (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clergy of the order next below that of bishop, authorized to carry out the Christian ministry.
a minister of any religion.
verb (used with object)
to ordain as a priest.
Origin of priest
before 900; Middle English
prest(e),
priest, Old English
prēost, ultimately < Late Latin
presbyter
presbyter
OTHER WORDS FROM priest
Words nearby priest
pride's purge,
pride-of-california,
prie,
prie-dieu,
prier,
priest,
priest-hole,
priest-ridden,
priestcraft,
priestess,
priestfish
Example sentences from the Web for priest
British Dictionary definitions for priest
priest
feminine priestess
/ (priːst) /
noun
verb (tr)
to make a priest; ordain
Other words from priest
Related adjective: hieraticDerived forms of priest
priestlike, adjectiveWord Origin for priest
Old English
prēost, apparently from
presbyter; related to Old High German
prēster, Old French
prestre
Cultural definitions for priest
priest
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.)