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Where does the word "priest" come from? It comes from Greek presbyteros, passing through Latin before entering English (medieval).
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Where does the word "priest" come from? It comes from Greek presbyteros, passing through Latin before entering English (medieval).
Priest’s story begins in Greek: presbyteros meant “an elder.” Literally "elder". By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as presbyter. Greek 'presbyteros', elder; 'presbyterian' comes from the same word. It reached English by medieval as preost. Worn down through everyday pronunciation. Today, priest means a person authorized to perform religious rites, especially in Christian churches.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient presbyteros "an elder", literally "elder".
- Stage 2 · Latin · ancient presbyter "a church elder", Greek 'presbyteros', elder; 'presbyterian' comes from the same word.
- Stage 3 · Old English · medieval preost "a religious minister", worn down through everyday pronunciation.