priestess
n.n. a woman who is chosen to lead a religious group or perform special religious duties. In modern times, this word is often used to describe a woman who is a high-ranking leader in a church.
n. a female religious leader or a woman who is believed to be chosen by a deity to perform specific religious duties. In contemporary usage, it frequently refers to a woman in a high-ranking position within a religious hierarchy.
The priestess led the ceremony with great grace.
In ancient Greece, a priestess would often serve at a temple to a specific god or goddess.
The role of the priestess in the early church was eventually replaced by the priest, though the title is still used today to describe certain high-ranking female clergy members.
From priest + -ess. Compare Middle English preesteresse (“priestess”). Piecewise doublet of presbyteress.