protopope

[proh-tuh-pohp]

noun

the ranking priest in a cathedral of the Eastern Church.

Origin of protopope

1655–65; < Russian protopóp < Late Greek protopapâs. See proto-, pope

Also called protopresbyter.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for protopope

Historical Examples of protopope

One day I entered it, when the protopope, or dean, was baptizing an infant.
The Baptist Magazine, Vol. 27, January, 1835
Various
Then, hurriedly going up to the protopope, whispered something in his ear.
The Green Book
Mr Jkai
Under Peter's father one of the Raskol leaders, the protopope Avvakum, denounced "these bold-faced" men—bold-faced meaning shaven.
Lippincott's Magazine Of Popular Literature And Science, April 1875, Vol. XV., No. 88
Various