hierarch

[hahy-uh-rahrk, hahy-rahrk] /ˈhaɪ əˌrɑrk, ˈhaɪ rɑrk/
noun
1.
a person who rules or has authority in sacred matters; high priest.
2.
a person having high position or considerable authority.
3.
one of a body of officials or minor priests in certain ancient Greek temples.
Origin
1480-90; < Medieval Latin hierarcha < Greek hierárchēs steward of sacred rites, equivalent to hier- hier- + -archēs -arch
Related forms
hierarchal, adjective
antihierarchal, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for hierarch

hierarch

/ˈhaɪəˌrɑːk/
noun
1.
  1. a person in a position of high priestly authority
  2. a person holding high rank in a religious hierarchy
2.
a person at a high level in a hierarchy
Derived Forms
hierarchal, adjective
Word Origin and History for hierarch
n.

1570s, from Medieval Latin hierarcha, from Greek hierarkhes "leader of sacred rites, high priest" (see hierarchy).