hierarch

[ hahy-uh-rahrk, hahy-rahrk ]

noun

1. a person who rules or has authority in sacred matters; high priest.
2. a person having high position or considerable authority.
3. one of a body of officials or minor priests in certain ancient Greek temples.

hierarch

/ ˈhaɪəˌrɑːk /

noun

1. 1. a person in a position of high priestly authority
   2. a person holding high rank in a religious hierarchy
2. a person at a high level in a hierarchy

Derived Forms

• ˌhierˈarchal, adjective

Other Words From

• hier·archal adjective
• anti·hier·archal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hierarch¹

1480–90; < Medieval Latin hierarcha < Greek hierárchēs steward of sacred rites, equivalent to hier- hier- + -archēs -arch

Example Sentences

At the same moment, the grave, kind old hierarch stretched out his hands to take the sleeping baby from its mother's arms.

From Project Gutenberg

The hierarch rose hastily and glanced into his dark keen eyes with an inquiring look.

From Project Gutenberg

Will the hierarch and the elder brothers think I am strong enough and fit enough for the duties of the task?

From Project Gutenberg

After breakfast, brother Eustace and the hierarch came sadly in their official robes into the lesser infirmary.

From Project Gutenberg

But how could a hierarch of the State Church of Ireland fail to don its spirit with his mitre?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bishop