ˈprēstˌhu̇d, -ˌstu̇d noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English presthod, from Old English prēosthād, from prēost priest + -hād -hood
1. : the office of a priest : priestly function : sacerdotal character
2. : the order of priests : priests
3. : the authority to speak and administer in the name of the Deity given in the Mormon Church by ordination ; also : the body of those so ordained including those of the Aaronic as well as the Melchizedek orders