priesthood

[preest-hood]

noun

1. the condition or office of a priest.

2. priests collectively.

Other Word Forms

• antipriesthood adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priesthood¹

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

Example Sentences

Typically, it’s an arcane and extremely nerdy process that occurs once a decade, after the census, and mainly draws attention from a small priesthood of line-drawing experts and political obsessives.

From Los Angeles Times

By 1991, the Diocese of Sheffield had fast-tracked Brain's route to the priesthood, allowing him to become ordained after just two years, instead of the usual four.

From BBC

He says Bishop Snow told him the process to begin his training for priesthood – something he decided he wanted to pursue – would be "slowed down".

From BBC

Attitudes began changing in the 1970s and 80s, the time when a young Pablo David and many other senior church figures today were studying to enter the priesthood.

From BBC

Nor has he been stripped of his priesthood, although he has been prevented from holding any formal position in the Boston Diocese.

From BBC