Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːstɛs] (IPA) 
The word "priestess" is spelled with a "t" and two "s"s. In phonetic transcription, it is /ˈpriːstɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "pree" and the "t" is silent. The second syllable is pronounced as "tis" with a short "i" sound in the middle. The double "s" at the end is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound. "Priestess" is a gender-specific term for a female priest, often used in historical or religious contexts.
A priestess is a feminine noun that refers to a woman who is a religious leader or officiant, specifically in certain ancient or traditional religions. She is regarded as a representative or mediator between the divine and human beings, acting as an intermediary in spiritual matters. Typically priestesses are associated with pagan, polytheistic or nature-based religions, although the term can also be used more broadly to encompass female religious leaders in various faiths throughout history.
A priestess is often prescribed with specific roles and responsibilities within her religious community, such as performing rituals, conducting ceremonies, offering prayers, interpreting sacred texts, and providing spiritual guidance to adherents. In some instances, the priestess may hold significant power and influence within her society, contributing to decisions and leading her community in matters of faith and worship.
The role of a priestess varies from culture to culture and can possess different titles or names depending on the specific tradition or religion she belongs to. She is often recognized as an embodiment of feminine divinity or a representative of goddesses in her respective faith. The costume or attire of a priestess also varies and is usually designed to mirror the sacred and symbolic aspects of the religion she serves.
Among the heathen, a woman who officiated in a temple.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "priestess" originates from the combination of two separate terms: "priest" and the feminine suffix "-ess".
The term "priest" comes from the Old English word "preost", which can be traced back to the Late Latin "presbyter" and the Greek "presbyteros", meaning "elder" or "priest". These words, in turn, are derived from the Greek word "presbyter", meaning "older" or "elder".
The suffix "-ess" is a feminine form used to indicate female gender. It evolved from the Middle English "-esse" and the Old French "-esse", which originated from the Latin "-issa" or "-issa".
Therefore, "priestess" signifies a female member of the clergy who performs religious rituals and serves within the spiritual domain.
