Prester John

[ pres-ter ]

noun

1. a legendary Christian monk and potentate of the Middle Ages, supposed to have had a kingdom in some remote part of Asia or Africa and associated with fabulous narratives of travel.

Prester John

/ ˈprɛstə /

noun

1. a legendary Christian priest and king, believed in the Middle Ages to have ruled in the Far East, but identified in the 14th century with the king of Ethiopia

Word History and Origins

Origin of Prester John¹

C14 Prestre Johan, from Medieval Latin presbyter Iohannes Priest John

Example Sentences

This emperor Prester John is a Christian, and a great part of his country also; but they have not all the articles of our faith.

From Project Gutenberg

But I first made a copy of all that relates to Prester John, himself a paradox.

From Project Gutenberg

This empire is known by the name of the kingdom of Prester-John.

From Project Gutenberg

Otto tells us that Prester John had “a sceptre of emeralds.”

From Project Gutenberg

This Emperor Prester John hath evermore seven kings with him to serve him, and they depart their service by certain months.

From Project Gutenberg