English Explanatory Dictionary

priestess

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A woman with religious duties and responsibilities in certain religions.
  2. A female Christian priest or minister, typically in a Protestant, Old Catholic, or independent Catholic denomination.
  3. A priest’s wife.
verb
  1. To oversee (a pagan ceremony, etc.) as priestess.

Pronunciation

/ˈpriːstɛs/ /priːˈstɛs/ /ˈpristɪs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-priestess.wav

Word forms

priestess priestesses priestress priestessing priestessed

Etymology

From priest + -ess. Compare Middle English preesteresse (“priestess”). Piecewise doublet of presbyteress.

Synonyms

gythja kahuna mamaloi mambo miko presbytera presbyteress

Related words

abbatess abbess abbotess adoratrice domina Mother Mother Superior prioress

Derived words

high priestess priestesshood priestesslike priestessly priestess of Venus
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