Priest

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpɹiːst/
• Rhymes: -iːst

Origin

From Middle English preist, preest, from Old English prēost ("priest"), from Late Latin presbyter, from Ancient Greek πρεσβύτερος, from πρέσβυς (presbus, "elder, older"). Reinforced in Middle English by Old French prestre, also from Latin presbyter.

Full definition of priest

Noun

1. A religious clergyman who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 10, It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.
2. The priest at the Catholic church heard his confession.
   The Shinto priest burnt incense for his ancestors.
   The Israelite priests were descended from Moses' brother Aaron.
3. A blunt tool, used for quickly stunning and killing fish.
4. (Mormonism) The highest office in the Aaronic priesthood.

Derived terms

Coordinate terms

• imam, guru, rabbi, sangha

Verb

1. (transitive) To ordain as a priest.

Anagrams

• esprit
• ripest
• sitrep
• sprite
• stripe