holy order

noun

often capitalized H&O

1

a

: major order

—usually used in plural

b

: one of the orders of the ministry in the Anglican or Episcopal church

2

: the rite or sacrament of ordination

—usually used in plural

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

No foofaraw: Of course a cleric—in Chih’s case, one who belongs to a holy order tasked with traveling the land and collecting stories—wouldn’t concern themself with gender. —Wired Staff, Wired, 29 Sep. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a