priesthood
n. C / Un. the job or position of being a priest. It can also refer to the whole group of priests in a specific religion.
n. the office or position of a priest; collectively, the body of persons ordained for religious service.
He decided to enter the priesthood after finishing university.
The local community celebrated his twenty-fifth year in the priesthood with a special dinner and ceremony.
Scholars often examine how the influence of the priesthood shifted during the transition from a monarchical system to a more secular form of governance.
From Middle English presthed, presthede, presthod, presthode, from Old English prēosthād (“priesthood”), equivalent to priest + -hood. Compare Dutch priesterheid (“priesthood”).
Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the profession or the collective group.