prior
1pri·or
noun \ˈprī(-ə)r\Definition of PRIOR
1
: the superior ranking next to the abbot of a monastery
2
: the superior of a house or group of houses of any of various religious communities
— pri·or·ate \ˈprī-ə-rət\ noun
— pri·or·ship \ˈprī(-ə)r-ˌship\ noun
See Origin of PRIOR
Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; both from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, administrator, from Latin, former, superior
First Known Use: before 12th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
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