Main Entry: priest

Pronunciation: \ˈprēst\

Function: noun

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

Date: before 12th century

: 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