noun
high priest; highly ranked priest
Refers to a priest of high rank or status within a Buddhist hierarchy.
その寺の高僧が法要を執り行った。
The high priest of that temple conducted the memorial service.
noun
Emphasizes personal virtue, deep learning, and spiritual attainment rather than formal rank.
彼は学識と徳を兼ね備えた高僧として知られている。
He is known as a virtuous priest of great learning and character.