In English, nouns don't have gender. The word "priest", however, refers to a male in a religious order (specifically Catholicism, in a modern / real-world sense). You might also encounter the word "priest" in fiction or archaic texts, such as "the priests of Baal" mentioned in the book of 1 Kings. The closest female equivalent of a priest in modern Catholicism is a nun, the difference, aside from sex, being that nuns are not allowed to conduct masses in the Catholic Church. Another equivalent of priest in a non-Catholic sense is "priestess".
Traditionally, priestess was the name for a female following the same or similar duties of a priest; however, today, there is no distinction made. Whether a male or female cleric, the terms priest, reverend, pastor, etc., are used regardless of gender.
'Aaron' was the High-Priest of Israel. He had a brother and a sister. , viz. Moses, and Miriam.
A seldom used gender specific noun for a female is 'prophetess'.
All English nouns are of common gender.
lass/lad - dog/bitch - niece/nephew - fiance/fiancee - tiger/tigress - nun/priest - count/countess - master/mistress
PriestessPriestessA priestess is the opposite gender of a priest. Priestesses have the authority to administer religious rites.
PriestessPriestessA priestess is the opposite gender of a priest. Priestesses have the authority to administer religious rites.
Priest
Traditionally, priestess was the name for a female following the same or similar duties of a priest; however, today, there is no distinction made. Whether a male or female cleric, the terms priest, reverend, pastor, etc., are used regardless of gender.
The word 'priest' is a noun; a word for someone who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies; a word for a person.The noun 'priest' is a gender specific noun for a male.The corresponding gender specific noun for a female is priestess.
ALB - Is the name for a priest's robe cassock Is the name for a priest's robe
The word "priest" is considered a gender-neutral term that can refer to individuals of any gender who hold the title and perform the duties associated with the role. Historically, the term has been more commonly associated with men, but in contemporary usage, it is understood to be inclusive of all genders.
Depending on the type and order of a nun, the opposite could be monk or priest.
Depending on the type and order of a nun, the opposite could be monk or priest.
A vicar. The title 'vicar' is the title of the person who is the priest with spiritual oversight of a parish and is not dependent upon the gender of the priest. Therefore both male and females are called vicars. The level of ordination of a vicar is that of priest. Similarly a female priest is called, still, a priest and not a priestess. Priestesses were (and are) associated with pagan cults or even witchcraft, and so Christian priests who are women are called priests.
'Aaron' was the High-Priest of Israel. He had a brother and a sister. , viz. Moses, and Miriam.
The leader of a coven is typically referred to as a high priestess or high priest, depending on their gender. They are responsible for guiding the group's activities, rituals, and spiritual practices.