priesthood

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Priests as a group.

   Holonym: clergy.

2. 2
   noun

   the body of ordained religious practitioners

3. 3
   noun

   The role or office of a priest.

4. 4
   noun

   Authority to act in the name of God or the divine in general.

From Middle English presthed, presthede, presthod, presthode, from Old English prēosthād (“priesthood”), equivalent to priest + -hood. Compare Dutch priesterheid (“priesthood”).

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