priestess
priestess Lexical Profile
priestess Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A female priest or religious officiant authorized to perform sacred rites, especially in non-Christian, ancient, or pagan religions.
"In ancient Greece, the chief priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi was revered for her prophetic oracles."
A woman regarded as a leading exponent, authority, or revered figurehead of a particular movement, art form, or cultural pursuit.
"Through her groundbreaking choreography, Martha Graham became widely celebrated as the high priestess of modern dance."
Word Nuance & Usage
While "priestess" historically refers to a female officiant in polytheistic, ancient, or neopagan religions, ordained women in Christian denominations (such as the Anglican or Episcopal Church) are almost universally referred to simply as "priests."
• Rhymes for priestess
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Recorded in Middle English from the 14th century, formed from "priest" (from Old English "preost," ultimately from Ancient Greek "presbyteros" meaning "elder") plus the feminine suffix "-ess" (from Old French "-esse").