also: ほうしゅ · ほっしゅ
Refers to the chief priest of a Buddhist temple or sect, especially in traditional or formal contexts.
The head priest of that temple is a venerable monk who has trained for many years.
Many followers gathered to hear the high priest's sermon.
Standard kanji spelling; the reading ほうしゅ is the most common modern pronunciation.
Older reading, now largely replaced by ほうしゅ in everyday use.
Less common reading; ほうしゅ is preferred in modern contexts.
From 法 (law, dharma) + 主 (master, lord). The term originated in Buddhist contexts to denote the master of the teachings.