holy orders
noun
(used with a singular verb)
the rite or sacrament of ordination.
(used with a singular verb)
the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister.
(used with a plural verb)
the major degrees or grades of the Christian ministry.
Origin of holy orders
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Words nearby holy orders
holy mysteries,
holy of holies,
holy office,
holy oil,
holy one,
holy orders,
holy place,
holy roller,
holy roman empire,
holy rood,
holy sacrament
British Dictionary definitions for holy orders
holy orders
pl n
the sacrament or rite whereby a person is admitted to the Christian ministry
the grades of the Christian ministry
the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister
See also
orders