priestly form; Buddhist priest's appearance; priestly attire
Refers to the outward appearance of a Buddhist priest, including shaved head, robes, and overall demeanor. Often used in contexts of disguise or transformation into a priestly figure.
He set out on a journey in the guise of a Buddhist priest.
The painting depicts a figure in priestly attire.
Compound of 僧 (そう, 'Buddhist priest') and 形 (ぎょう, 'form, shape'). The reading ぎょう for 形 is a relatively uncommon go-on reading used in Buddhist contexts.