n.
Pronunciation: ' pr ē st
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English preist, from Old English pr ē ost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter ― more at PRESBYTER
Date: before 12th century
: one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyman ranking below a bishop and above a deacon