priest

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person trained to lead religious services and ceremonies in a church.

   The priest at the Catholic church heard his confession.

2. 2
   noun

   A person who leads religious duties in a non-Christian religion.

   The temple priest prepared the offerings for the festival.

From Middle English prest, preest, from Old English prēost (“priest”), from Late Latin presbyter, from Ancient Greek πρεσβύτερος (presbúteros), from πρέσβυς (présbus, “elder, older”). Reinforced in Middle English by Old French prestre, also from Latin presbyter. Doublet of presbyter and prester.

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