ENGLISH
REFERENCE

priestly

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɹistɫi// UK //pɹˈiːstli// priest·ly

adj. relating to a priest or the duties of a priest. It describes things that are used in religious ceremonies or belong to the church.

adj. relating to a priest or the duties and privileges of the priesthood. Often used to describe ceremonial objects, vestments, or the specific authority held by religious leaders.


SIMPLE

The priestly vestments are kept in a special room.

CONTEXTUAL

The cathedral's interior was decorated with intricate priestly symbols and gold leaf.

COMPLEX

Scholars have long debated the priestly class's influence on early legal codes, suggesting that many religious rituals were originally designed to maintain social order.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English prestly; equivalent to priest + -ly.

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