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a mediator between men and the divinity or the gods in any form of religion; as, Buddhist priests. "The priests of Dagon." 1 Sam. v. 5. Then the priest of Jupiter . . . brought oxen and garlands . . . and would have done sacrifice with the people. Acts xiv. 13. Every priest taken from among men is ordained for men in t…

Controlled or oppressed by priests; as, a priest-ridden people. Swift.

A form of redan, so named from its shape; -- called also swallowtail.

Priestly policy; the policy of a priesthood; esp., in an ill sense, fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management by priests to gain wealth and power by working upon the religious motives or credulity of others. It is better that men should be governed by priestcraft than by violence. Macaulay.…

Priests, collectively; the priesthood; -- so called in contempt. [R.] Milton.

A woman who officiated in sacred rites among pagans. Abp. Potter.

The office or character of a priest; the priestly function. Bk. of Com. Prayer.

The office of a priest. [Obs.] Milton.

The influence, doctrines, principles, etc., of priests or the priesthood. [R.]

Without a priest. Pope.

Priestly. B. Jonson.

The quality or state of being priestly. R. Browning.

Of or pertaining to a priest or the priesthood; sacerdotal; befitting or becoming a priest; as, the priestly office; a priestly farewell. Shak.

A chief priest; also, a kind of vicar, or a rural dean.

A chief priest; esp., the head of the Jewish priesthood.

The office, dignity, or position of a high priest.

High-priesthood.

To deprive of priesthood; to unfrock. [R.] Milton.

Pertaining to Aaron, the first high priest of the Jews.

A small quantity of wine and water, which is used to wash the priest's thumb and index finger after the communion, and which then, as perhaps containing portions of the consecrated elements, is drunk by the priest.