priestess
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a woman who has the authority to lead religious ceremonies in some religions.
n.a woman who performs religious rites and duties, particularly in non-monotheistic or ancient spiritual traditions.
Simple“The high priestess led the ceremony at the ancient temple during the full moon.”
In context“Archaeologists discovered a tomb belonging to a high priestess, containing artifacts that suggest she held significant political influence in the city-state.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a woman who is a priest or minister in some Christian churches.
n.a female priest or minister in certain Christian denominations; occasionally used pejoratively by those who oppose the ordination of women.
Simple“She was the first priestess to be ordained in that small village church.”
In context“While the denomination officially uses the title 'priest', some traditionalist members occasionally use the term 'priestess' to emphasize their theological objections.”
UsageIn modern standard English, 'priest' is increasingly used as a gender-neutral term for both men and women in the clergy.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to act as a priestess and lead a religious event.
v.to perform the duties of a priestess or to oversee a ritual in that capacity.
Simple“She was asked to priestess the annual festival at the forest shrine.”
In context“The elder was invited to priestess the solstice rites, drawing on decades of oral tradition to guide the new initiates.”
UsageThis verb form is rare and typically restricted to Neopagan or specialized spiritual contexts.
Synonymsofficiatepreside
From priest + -ess. Compare Middle English preesteresse (“priestess”). Piecewise doublet of presbyteress.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.