priest
UK: priːst | US: priːst
n. a person ordained to perform religious duties and ceremonies, especially in Christian churches
n. (figurative) someone regarded as having authority or expertise in a non-religious field (e.g., "a priest of science")
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The word "priest" traces back to Old English prēost, derived from Late Latin presbyter (meaning "elder" or "church leader"), itself borrowed from Greek presbyteros (comparative of presbys, "old man"). Over time, the Latin term evolved into prestre in Old French, which influenced the Old English form. The morpheme pri- reflects the sacred or authoritative role of the elder, while -est denotes the agent performing the role. The word’s evolution mirrors the transition from early Christian community leadership to formalized clergy roles.
The priest delivered a moving sermon at the Sunday service.
In ancient cultures, a priest often acted as a mediator between people and the divine.
She consulted a priest for guidance during her spiritual crisis.
The village priest was respected for his wisdom and kindness.
He jokingly called himself a "priest of jazz" for his deep knowledge of the genre.