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