Definition of: priest

(prēst) noun
1. One especially consecrated to the service of a divinity, and serving as mediator between the divinity and his worshipers in sacrifice, worship, prayer, teaching, etc.
2. In the Anglican, Greek, and Roman Catholic churches, a clergyman in the second order of the ministry, ranking next below a bishop, and having authority to administer the sacraments.
3.. Any ordained clergyman or pastor; an official minister of any religious system: distinguished from layman.
4. In the early Christian church, an elder or presbyter.
5. One who performs functions or duties similar to those of a priest.
—parish priest The priest in charge of a parish; specifically, in the Roman Catholic Church, a priest exercising personal jurisdiction in a parish, all members of which are obliged to apply to him for the ministrations of the church: distinguished from rector and curate. [OE prēost, ult. <L presbyter. Doublet of PRESBYTER.]