The title introduced by several rites of the Catholic church shortly after the office held by monsignor was phased out of use. There are still some monsignors around, but no new appointments are being made.

It is convenient to think of the term archpriest as analogous to that of monsignor.

Arch`priest" (#), n.

A chief priest; also, a kind of vicar, or a rural dean.

 

© Webster 1913.

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