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priesthood

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noun priest·hood \ ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d , ˈprē-ˌstu̇d \
Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of priesthood

1 :the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2 :the whole body of priests
3 :elite 1
  • the priesthood of the art world

See priesthood defined for English-language learners

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Examples of priesthood in a Sentence

  1. an ancient civilization that was ruled by a priesthood

  2. What is the influence of the priesthood in today's society?

Recent Examples of priesthood from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'priesthood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of priesthood

before 12th century

priesthood Synonyms

Synonyms
A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, fat, flower, illuminati, pick, pink, pride, elite, prime, royalty, upper crust
Related Words
establishment, gentry, nobility, quality, society, top, top drawer, upper class; caviar (also caviare); who's who
Near Antonyms
commoners, herd, hoi polloi, masses, millions, mob, multitude, rank and file, unwashed

Phrases Related to PRIESTHOOD

Related Phrases

PRIESTHOOD Defined for English Language Learners

priesthood

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noun

Definition of priesthood for English Language Learners

  • the priesthood : the job of being a priest

  • : a group of priests in a particular religion

Learn More about priesthood

  1. See words that rhyme with priesthood Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for priesthood Spanish Central: Translation of priesthood Nglish: Translation of priesthood for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of priesthood for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priesthood

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Examples: priesthood in a Sentence