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priest

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹiːst/

The English word “priest” has 4 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A religious clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple.
  2. A blunt tool, used for quickly stunning and killing fish.
  3. The highest office in the Aaronic priesthood.

verb

  1. To ordain as a priest.

Etymology

From Middle English prest, preest, from Old English prēost (“priest”), from Late Latin presbyter, from Ancient Greek πρεσβύτερος (presbúteros), from πρέσβυς (présbus, “elder, older”). Reinforced in Middle English by Old French prestre, also from Latin presbyter. Doublet of presbyter and prester. * The Tyndale Bible uses native English elder instead.

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