Priests

[preest] Origin

priest

[preest]
noun
1.
a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and especially to make sacrificial offerings.
2.
(in Christian use)
a.
a person ordained to the sacerdotal or pastoral office; a member of the clergy; minister.
b.
(in hierarchical churches) a member of the clergy of the order next below that of bishop, authorized to carry out the Christian ministry.
3.
a minister of any religion.
verb (used with object)
4.
to ordain as a priest.

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Priests is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.

Origin:
before 900; Middle English prest(e), priest, Old English prēost, ultimately < Late Latin presbyter presbyter

priest·less, adjective
priest·like, adjective, adverb
an·ti·priest, adjective
un·der·priest, noun
un·priest·like, adjective, adverb

clergy, cleric, imam, minister, pastor, priest, rabbi.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

priest
O.E. preost, shortened from the older Gmc. form represented by O.S., O.H.G. prestar, O.Fris. prestere, from V.L. *prester "priest," from L.L. presbyter "presbyter, elder," from Gk. presbyteros (see Presbyterian). In O.T. sense, a translation of Heb. kohen, Gk. hiereus, L. sacerdos.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary

priest definition


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.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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