high priest; priest (honorific)
Honorific term used to show respect when referring to a Buddhist priest, especially one of high rank. Often used in formal or religious contexts.
I was deeply impressed by the high priest's talk.
Compound of 貴 (ki, 'noble, esteemed') and 僧 (sō, 'priest, monk'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of an honored priest.