priesthood
UK: ˈpriːsthʊd | US: ˈpriːsthʊd
n. the status or office of a priest
n. priests collectively as a group
n. the period during which someone serves as a priest
The word "priesthood" combines "priest," derived from Old English prēost (via Latin presbyter and Greek presbyteros, meaning "elder"), with the suffix "-hood," from Old English -hād, denoting a state, condition, or quality. Originally, "-hood" was used in terms like "childhood" or "manhood" to abstractly represent a collective identity or role. Over time, "priesthood" evolved to signify both the office of a priest and the collective body of priests, reflecting its dual function in describing individual vocation and communal identity.
He was ordained into the priesthood after years of theological study.
The priesthood plays a central role in many religious traditions.
During his priesthood, he focused on community outreach.
Women were historically excluded from the priesthood in some denominations.
The ceremony celebrated the unity of the local priesthood.