hierarch

hi·er·arch  (h-rärk, hrärk)

n.

1. One who occupies a position of authority in a religious hierarchy.

2. One who occupies a high position in a hierarchy: governmental hierarchs.

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[From Middle English jerarchis, hierarchs, from Medieval Latin hierarcha, dignitary, prelate, from Greek hierarkhs, high priest : hieros, holy; see eis- in Indo-European roots + -arkhs, -arch.]

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hierarch [ˈhaɪəˌrɑːk]

n

1. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms)

a.  a person in a position of high priestly authority

b.  a person holding high rank in a religious hierarchy

2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a person at a high level in a hierarchy

hierarchal  adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	hierarch - a person who holds a high position in a hierarchy pecking order, power structure, hierarchy - the organization of people at different ranks in an administrative body important person, influential person, personage - a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events
	2.	hierarch - a senior clergyman and dignitary     archpriest, prelate, primate, high priest priest - a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders