Kannushi
/kɑːnˈuːʃi/noun
A Shinto priest responsible for the ritual care and administration of a shrine.
Did you know?The title comes from Japanese 神主, traditionally understood as “kami-master,” but a kannushi serves the deity rather than claiming supernatural power over it.
Etymological Timeline
Old Japanese, 8th Century
Old Japanese
kamunushi
“A person associated with or responsible for a kami, or deity”
Heian Period, 8th–12th Centuries
Japanese
kamunushi
“A shrine functionary serving a kami”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
kannushi
“A Shinto shrine priest or ritual official”
19th Century
Japanese
神主 (kannushi)
“A Shinto priest, especially the chief priest of a shrine”
Modern English
English
kannushi
“A Shinto priest responsible for shrine rites and management”