great learned priest; celebrated enlightened priest
Buddhist term for a highly respected priest known for deep learning and spiritual attainment. Not an everyday word; used in religious or historical contexts.
Many great learned priests gathered at that temple.
He is widely known as a celebrated enlightened priest.
高僧 is a more common term for a high-ranking or virtuous priest, while 名僧知識 emphasizes fame and profound knowledge.
Compound of 名僧 (famous priest) and 知識 (knowledge/acquaintance; here used in a Buddhist sense of a spiritual friend or learned companion). The exact historical derivation is uncertain.