noun
priest
PREEST/priːst/
A religious leader authorized to perform sacred rites.
The priest raises a communion host above the chalice.
Etymology
The 'elder' became a title for a church minister, so the word named a sacred office rather than simply an older person. Its use also broadened to religious leaders outside Christianity.
In context
the high priest would enter into the holy of holies to perform the the atonement ritual
More examples
- A priest led the service.
- Several priests attended the ceremony.
- The village asked its priest to bless the new building.
Forms
priest · priests
priesthood noun — The office or collective body of priests.