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

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.

From Salon

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.”

From Los Angeles Times

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

Cloaks and priestly robes parted to reveal swords and daggers.

From Literature

“Here, communication between man and God takes place,” said Lyngdoh, a descendant of the priestly clan which sanctified the Mawphlang forest.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• ecclesiastical 
• ministerial 
• monastic 
• pastoral 
• rabbinical