high priesthood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, historical, academic, religious, occasionally figurative/journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “high priesthood” mean?
The collective body of the highest-ranking priests in certain religions, particularly referring to the highest office of priests in ancient Judaism, as well as similar leadership in other hierarchical religious structures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The collective body of the highest-ranking priests in certain religions, particularly referring to the highest office of priests in ancient Judaism, as well as similar leadership in other hierarchical religious structures.
By extension, it can refer to any exclusive, powerful, or authoritative group within a specialized field, perceived as having an elite, often conservative, influence over doctrine, practice, or ideology (e.g., the 'high priesthood of science', 'the high priesthood of modern art').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties. The metaphorical extension may be slightly more frequent in American critical/journalistic writing.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. Both varieties recognize the historical/religious term and its potential for figurative, critical application.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Primarily encountered in religious studies, historical texts, and high-register figurative language.
Grammar
How to Use “high priesthood” in a Sentence
The high priesthood of [institution/field] (e.g., The high priesthood of classical music)A challenge from/against the high priesthoodTo be admitted to the high priesthoodThe rulings/doctrine of the high priesthoodVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The high priesthood of finance resisted the new regulations.'
Academic
Common in Religious Studies, Theology, History: 'The role of the high priesthood evolved during the Second Temple period.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone discussing specific religious history or using deliberate metaphor.
Technical
Specific term in Latter-day Saint (Mormon) ecclesiology and in scholarly works on ancient Near Eastern religions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high priesthood”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high priesthood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high priesthood”
- Writing as 'high-priesthood' (hyphenated is less standard). Confusing it with 'High Priest' (an individual). Using it in casual contexts where 'leadership' or 'experts' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary and literal meaning is religious-historical, it is frequently used in a metaphorical or figurative sense to criticize any perceived elite, dogmatic group within a profession, academia, or field (e.g., 'the high priesthood of modern architecture').
'Priesthood' refers to the entire body of priests or the office/condition of being a priest. 'High priesthood' is a subset or the pinnacle of that body—the most senior, authoritative priests who hold leadership and doctrinal authority.
No. The '-hood' suffix denotes a collective state or body. A single individual holding the top office would be a 'High Priest'. 'High priesthood' refers to the group or the office itself.
Yes, most notably in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), where 'High Priest' is an office within the Melchizedek priesthood, and 'High Priesthood' can refer to that priesthood order. It is otherwise mainly a historical or scholarly term for ancient religions.
The collective body of the highest-ranking priests in certain religions, particularly referring to the highest office of priests in ancient Judaism, as well as similar leadership in other hierarchical religious structures.
High priesthood is usually formal, historical, academic, religious, occasionally figurative/journalistic. in register.
High priesthood: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpriːst.hʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpriːst.hʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is sometimes used idiomatically/metaphorically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'high priest' + the suffix '-hood' (meaning state/condition, like 'childhood'). It's the collective state or office of being the highest priests.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS HIERARCHY IS A SOCIAL/INTELLECTUAL HIERARCHY. (e.g., 'the high priesthood of quantum physics' maps the exclusivity and authority of a religious group onto an academic field.)
Practice
Quiz
In its most common literal sense, 'high priesthood' refers specifically to: