'priesthood' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'prēosthād,' where 'prēost' meant 'priest' and '-hād' meant 'state or condition.'

'prēosthād' transformed into the Middle English word 'presthod,' and eventually became the modern English word 'priesthood.'

Initially, it meant 'the state or condition of being a priest,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.