priesthood
noun
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d\
Definition of priesthood
1 : the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2 : the whole body of priests
3 : elite sense 1 the priesthood of the art world
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Synonyms for priesthood
Synonyms
A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d'elite, cream, crème de la crème, elect, elite, fat, flower, illuminati, pick, pink, pride, prime, royalty, upper crust
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Examples of priesthood in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to [Christ]! — Paul Schemm, The Seattle Times, "Read the pope’s letter to the faithful on abuse in the Catholic Church," 20 Aug. 2018 The celibate priesthood has been a tradition of the Latin rite Catholic Church since the 11th century; no doctrine requires it, and many eastern rite Catholic Churches allow married men to be ordained. — Nicole Winfield, The Seattle Times, "Issue of married Catholic priests gains traction under pope," 23 Oct. 2018 Wellems belonged to the Claretians Roman Catholic order and resigned from the priesthood early last year. — Washington Post, "Ex-priest who abused child allowed access to Chicago schools," 24 June 2018 My life is going to be very rich and full because of the priesthood. — Katherine Rosenberg-douglas, chicagotribune.com, "Pope Francis taps 3 new auxiliary bishops for Chicago Catholic archdiocese," 3 July 2018 Brennan resolved to go to heaven, and the priesthood seemed like a sure way of getting there. — Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, "A Spymaster Steps Out of the Shadows," 27 June 2018 In 1836, Smith ordained Elijah Abel, a Black man, to the priesthood office of elder. — Mica Mcgriggs, Teen Vogue, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Celebrated the 40-Year Anniversary of the Lifted Ban Against Black Members," 11 July 2018 Wellems belonged to the Claretians Roman Catholic order and resigned from the priesthood early last year. — Michael Tarm, chicagotribune.com, "Ex-priest who abused child allowed access to Chicago schools," 22 June 2018 For another century, Black Mormons were unable to enjoy full fellowship and the blessings of the priesthood. — Mica Mcgriggs, Teen Vogue, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Celebrated the 40-Year Anniversary of the Lifted Ban Against Black Members," 11 July 2018These 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.
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More Definitions for priesthood
priesthood
noun
English Language Learners Definition of priesthood
the priesthood : the job of being a priest
: a group of priests in a particular religion
See the full definition for priesthood in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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