also: ほっす · ほっしゅ
noun
Refers to the chief priest of a Buddhist temple or sect, especially in traditional or formal contexts.
その寺の法主は、長年修行を積んだ高僧だ。
The head priest of that temple is a venerable monk who has trained for many years.
法主の説法を聞きに、多くの信者が集
Many followers gathered to hear the high priest's sermon.
Less common reading; ほうしゅ is preferred in modern contexts.
住職 is the more common, everyday term for a temple's chief priest, while 法主 is a more formal or honorific title often used in specific sects or historical contexts.
From 法 (law, dharma) + 主 (master, lord). The term originated in Buddhist contexts to denote the master of the teachings.