— priestless , adj. — priestlike , adj. , adv.
/preest/ , n.
1. a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and esp. to make sacrificial offerings.
2. (in Christian use)
a. a person ordained to the sacerdotal or pastoral office; a member of the clergy; minister.
b. (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clergy of the order next below that of bishop, authorized to carry out the Christian ministry.
3. a minister of any religion.
v.t.
4. to ordain as a priest.
[ bef. 900; ME prest ( e ), priest, OE preost, ult. presbyter PRESBYTER ]