priest

[ preest ]
/ prist /

noun

a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and especially to make sacrificial offerings.
(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.
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 THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH priest

clergy cleric imam minister pastor priest rabbi

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: hieratic

Derived forms of priest

priestlike, adjective

Word 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.)