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sta·rets | \ ˈstär-əts 
, -yəts \
, -yəts \ plural startsy\ ˈstärt-sē \
\Definition of starets
: a spiritual director or religious teacher in the Eastern Orthodox Church specifically : a spiritual adviser who is not necessarily a priest, who is recognized for his piety, and who is turned to by monks or laymen for spiritual guidance
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Time Traveler for starets
The first known use of starets was in 1729
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