adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ h ī -( ə -) ' ra-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin hieraticus sacerdotal, from Greek hieratikos, from hierasthai to perform priestly functions, from hieros sacred; probably akin to Sanskrit i ș ara vigorous
Date: 1669
1 : constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic
2 : SACERDOTAL
3 : highly stylized or formal < hieratic poses>
– hi · er · at · i · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb