I.the priesthood, the office or dignity of priests, the sacerdotal office (good prose; used equally in sing. and plur.)
(α).
Sing.: “amplissimum sacerdotium,” Cic. Verr. 2, 2, 51, § 127: “amplissimi sacerdotii collegium,” id. Fam. 3, 10, 9: “propter amplitudinem sacerdotii,” id. Agr. 2, 7, 18: “homo in sacerdotio diligentissimus,” id. Rab. Perd. 10, 27: “eodem sacerdotio praeditus,” id. Sen. 17, 61: “familiare,” Liv. 9, 29: “priscum et religiosum,” Plin. Ep. 4, 8, 1.—
(β).
Plur.: “hoc idem de ceteris sacerdotiis Cn. Domitius tulit: quod populus per religionem sacerdotia mandare non poterat,” Cic. Agr. 2, 7, 18: “lex de sacerdotiis,” id. Lael. 25, 96: de sacerdotiis contendere, Caes. B. C. 3, 82.—
B. In eccl. Lat., of the mediatorial office of Christ, Vulg. Heb. 7, 12; 7, 24.
