priestess
UK: ˈpriːstɪs | US: ˈpriːstɪs
n. a female priest, especially in a non-Christian religion
n. a woman who performs sacred rituals or holds a religious office
The word "priestess" combines "priest," derived from Old English prēost (via Latin presbyter, meaning "elder"), with the feminine suffix "-ess," from Old French -esse (ultimately from Latin -issa). This suffix was historically used to denote female roles in professions or titles (e.g., "actress," "lioness"). The term reflects societal structures where religious leadership was gender-specified, with "-ess" explicitly marking the feminine form.
The priestess conducted the ancient ritual at the temple.
In Greek mythology, the Pythia was the high priestess of Apollo.
She was ordained as a priestess in the modern pagan tradition.
The priestess chanted prayers during the ceremony.
Historically, priestesses held significant influence in some cultures.