priesthood

[ preest-hood ]

noun

1. the condition or office of a priest.
2. priests collectively.

Other Words From

• anti·priesthood adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priesthood¹

before 900; Middle English presthed ( e ), presthod ( e ), Old English prēosthād. See priest, -hood

Example Sentences

Just as the Jewish homeland was treated like a football by foreign powers like the Ptolemies of Egypt and Seleucids of Syria, the power of the priesthood was an important focus in intra-Jewish power struggles.

From The Daily Beast

She has also lost her right to be a priesthood holder, a religious honor granted only to men in the Church.

From The Daily Beast

For a lot of Mormon women, asking ‘Do you want the priesthood?’

From The Daily Beast

Having created a picture of Hell, the Tea Party priesthood must furnish the faithful with an image of Paradise.

From The Daily Beast

If you are a man, and therefore a priesthood holder, it takes a council of 15 men to agree on excommunication.

From The Daily Beast

Until relatively recently, Mormons excluded African-Americans from the priesthood.

From The Daily Beast

These two phenomenal facts imply some strong antagonism to the priesthood and their system.

From Project Gutenberg

The Roman Catholic priesthood, to a man, would lend to it the influence of all its spiritual authority.

From Project Gutenberg

And through Christ come all the distinguishing features, and all the high privileges of his people, as an holy priesthood.

From Project Gutenberg

Had it not been for the Everlasting Covenant, the rite of sacrifice had not been instituted, and a priesthood had not been.

From Project Gutenberg

Those faithful to the covenant of the priesthood are approved, while the desecrators thereof are fearfully condemned.

From Project Gutenberg