n. 1 an ordained minister of the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church, or of the Anglican Church (above a deacon and below a bishop), authorized to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments. 2 an official minister of a non-Christian religion. priest's hole hist. a hiding-place for a Roman Catholic priest during times of religious persecution. priestless adj. priestlike adj. priestling n.
[ OE preost, ult. f. eccl.L presbyter: see PRESBYTER ]