high priesthood

American  

noun

1. the condition or office of a high priest.

2. high priests collectively.

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Etymology

Origin of high priesthood

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

FOR the European Union’s high priesthood in Brussels, the right of people to live and work anywhere in Europe is sacred.

From Economist

But when he convened such a session this week to defend his strategy against the Islamic State and terrorism, he reached out beyond the usual high priesthood of foreign policy journalism to include younger writers with new media audiences.

From New York Times

The Royal Academy is the latest to embrace the sacred contemporary ritual of fundraising and its high priesthood, Kickstarter.

From The Guardian

In 172 BCE Antiochus sold the high priesthood to an unsavory character, Menelaus, an advocate for Hellenistic reforms who was not a member of the priestly family.

From Time

Though the Seleucid kings had permitted the Jews to practice their ancestral customs, Antiochus’ need for money made him offer the high priesthood of the Jerusalem temple to the highest bidder.

From Time