priest

noun \ˈprēst\

: a person who has the authority to lead or perform ceremonies in some religions and especially in some Christian religions

Full Definition of PRIEST

: one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God; specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyman ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

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Origin of PRIEST

Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to PRIEST

Synonyms: cleric, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher, clergyperson, reverend

Antonyms: layman, layperson, secular

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

Rhymes with PRIEST

beast, east, feast, fleeced, least, piste, reest, triste, yeast

PRIEST Defined for Kids

priest

noun \ˈprēst\

Definition of PRIEST for Kids

: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies

Learn More About PRIEST

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "priest"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "priest"

Nglish: Translation of "priest" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "priest" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "priest"

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