Roman Catholic Church1a. Used formerly as a title for a priest holding first rank among the members of a cathedral chapter, acting as chief assistant to a bishop. b. An honorific title applied to a priest, which may be accompanied by a specific function. 2.Eastern Orthodox Church The highest rank a married priest can hold.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English archeprest, from Old French archeprestre, from Late Latin archipresbyter, from Late Greek arkhipresbuteros : Greek arkhi-, archi- + Greek presbuteros, priest; see presbyter.
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