prior2

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprʌɪə(r)/

noun

  • the male head of a house or group of houses of certain religious orders, in particular:
  • the man next in rank below an abbot.
  • the head of a house of friars.

Derivatives

priorate

noun

priorship

noun

Origin:

late Old English, from a medieval Latin noun use of Latin prior 'elder, former' (see prior1)