Definition

Noun: 1. The office, position, or status of a priest: The condition of being ordained to perform sacred religious duties and rituals. 2. The body or group of all priests collectively: All the individuals who have been ordained as priests within a particular religion or religious institution.

Usage

The word "priesthood" is used to refer to the collective institution or the specific spiritual authority granted to priests. It often implies a formal, ordained group with specific religious functions. - It is typically used with the definite article "the" when referring to the collective body (e.g., the priesthood). - It can be used without an article when referring to the concept or office in general.

Examples

• Referring to the collective body:
  • He was ordained into the priesthood last year.
  • The decision was made by the priesthood of the diocese.
• Referring to the office or status:
  • She felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age.
  • In some traditions, priesthood is a lifelong commitment.

Advanced Usage

• "Enter the priesthood": To become a priest; to be ordained.
  • After years of study, he decided to enter the priesthood.
• "Leaving the priesthood": To renounce or resign from the office of a priest.
  • His controversial views led to him leaving the priesthood.

Variants and Related Words

• Priest (n): An ordained minister of a Christian church, or a person who performs religious ceremonies in various religions.
  • The priest led the congregation in prayer.
• Priestly (adj): Of, relating to, or characteristic of a priest or the priesthood.
  • He wore his priestly vestments for the ceremony.

Synonyms

• Clergy: The body of all people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian church. (This is a broader term that can include ministers, pastors, etc., not just priests.)
• Ministry: The profession, duties, or period of service of a minister of religion. (Often used in Protestant contexts.)

Related Phrases

• Apostolic priesthood: A priesthood considered to be derived from the apostles, often used in Catholic and Orthodox theology.
  • The doctrine of apostolic priesthood is central to their tradition.
• Universal priesthood: The concept that all believers share in priestly functions, a doctrine prominent in some Protestant denominations.
  • Luther advocated for the universality of the priesthood of all believers.

Noun

1. the body of ordained religious practitioners