祭さい主しゅ

noun

head priest; chief priest

Specifically refers to the highest-ranking priest at a Shinto shrine. Most commonly associated with the head priest of the Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮), a position historically held by members of the imperial family.

• 伊い勢せ神じん宮ぐうの祭さい主しゅは、皇こう室しつの方かた々がたが務つとめられる。

  The position of head priest of the Ise Grand Shrine is served by members of the imperial family.

• 祭さい主しゅが神しん事じを執とり行おこなった。

  The chief priest performed the Shinto ritual.