prēost
masculine
The Old English word for priest is prēost. If unsure, use prēost. Wiktionary also lists sacerd.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Old English | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prēost | masculine | |
| sacerd | /ˈsɑ.kerd/ | masculine |
Both prēost and sacerd are used to refer to a clergyman, clergywoman or clergyperson.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun prēost is prēostas.
Did you know?
- The term prēost shares an ancestor with the Greek word presbyteros, which literally means 'elder'.
- In Old English legal codes, the prēost often held a unique judicial status that exempted them from certain secular courts.
- While prēost is the more common term, the word sacerd is a direct relative of the modern English word 'sacred', sharing a root that implies something set apart for divine use.
Examples in context
- Se prēost bodode heofonlicu þing.The priest preached heavenly things.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing who to visit in the village.
- EadricHwǣr is se prēost?Where is the priest?
- WulfrunHē is on þǣre ċiriċan.He is at the church.
- EadricWē gān tō him.We go to him.
- WulfrunGā wē nū, Eadric.Let us go now, Eadric.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries sacerd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sacerd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
