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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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

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