Hierarch
/ˈhaɪəˌrɑːk/noun
A high-ranking religious leader or official, especially in an ecclesiastical hierarchy.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek religious language: ἱεράρχης originally meant a chief priest, showing how “holy” and “rule” were fused into one title of authority.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἱεράρχης (hierárkhēs)
“a chief priest or sacred ruler”
Late Greek
Greek
ἱεραρχία (hierarkhía)
“rule or order of sacred officials”
Late Latin
Latin
hierarcha
“a bishop or high church dignitary”
Middle English
English
hierarch
“a high-ranking church official”
Modern English
English
hierarch
“a high-ranking religious leader or official”