Priest

prēst, n. one who offers sacrifices or officiates in sacred offices: a minister above a deacon and below a bishop: a clergyman:— fem. Priest′e .— ns. Priest′craft , priestly policy: the schemes of priests to gain wealth or power; Priest′hood , the office or character of a priest: the priestly order.— adjs. Priest′-like , Priest′ly , pertaining to or like a priest.— n. Priest′line .— adj. Priest′-rid′den , controlled by priests.— High priest , a chief priest, esp. the chief ecclesiastical officer in the ancient Jewish church. [A.S. preóst (O. Fr. prestre , Fr. prêtre )—L. presbyter , an elder.]