holy orders
(used with a singular verb) the rite or sacrament of ordination.
(used with a singular verb) the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister.
(used with a plural verb) the major degrees or grades of the Christian ministry.
Origin of holy orders
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use holy orders in a sentence
After receiving holy orders he returned to his native village and took over the care of its souls.
Devil-Worship in France | Arthur Edward WaiteOn his recovery he announced his intention of going to Oxford to read for holy orders.
His response caused the candidate for holy orders to open his eyes to the widest.
The Tiger Hunter | Mayne ReidLife is a little vapour that passeth away, as we are told by those in holy orders.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 4 (of 25) | Robert Louis StevensonHe made his profession and received holy orders in 1163; but we have no further clue to the date of his birth.
British Dictionary definitions for holy orders
the sacrament or rite whereby a person is admitted to the Christian ministry
the grades of the Christian ministry
the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister
- See also orders
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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