priestly

[preest-lee]

adjective

priestlier, priestliest 

1. of or relating to a priest; sacerdotal.

   priestly vestments.

2. characteristic of or befitting a priest.

ˈpriestly

/ ˈpriːstlɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a priest

Other Word Forms

• priestliness noun
• nonpriestly adjective
• pseudopriestly adjective
• unpriestly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priestly¹

before 1000; Middle English prestli, Old English prēostlic. See priest, -ly

Example Sentences

The text also sheds light on women's roles in Babylon, including priestly duties that were previously undocumented.

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On the top are Brahmins, the priestly class; while at the bottom are Dalits, a caste so lowly you’re not even supposed to shake hands with them.

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He did not know at the time, he wrote, that “following these procedures was not effective, and that perpetrators were incapable of being treated in such a way that they could safely pursue priestly ministry.”

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“This one’s special. Our nation’s leader is honoring our Pops, our father, and I don’t say father in a priestly way,” Verdugo said.

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Cloaks and priestly robes parted to reveal swords and daggers.

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Related Words

• ecclesiastical 
• ministerial 
• monastic 
• pastoral 
• rabbinical