priest
| Minister of public worship, especially one who performs sacrificial rites. In the Christian church, priests are also responsible for administering the sacraments, blessing, and preaching. |
| The priestly office was in many early societies associated with the king. In ancient Egypt and India, the priests formed a separate caste. The Jewish priesthood was instituted by the laws of Moses. |
| Hindu priests are authorities on the correct way to perform rites, and on astrology. Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and modern Judaism have no priesthood. |
| In the Christian hierarchy, the priesthood (see holy orders) forms the second grade of the ministry, exercising many, but not all, of the functions of the higher grade – the bishop. |
| Teaching on the status and authority of priesthood varies in the different Christian denominations, and has been sharply focused by the debate that culminated in the acceptance of women priests in most parts of the Anglican Church. In the Roman Catholic Church, the priesthood is entirely male and celibate. |
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