This name was applied by the early Quakers to the Congregational ministers of New England, and is still locally applied to preachers who are not in holy orders.—‘Lowell Institute Lectures,’ pp. 114–5.
1800. All the priests of the state [of Connecticut].—The Aurora, Phila., Dec. 23. [For full quotation see STEADY HABITS.]
1824. [He snatched] a pitch pine knot blazing from the fire, [and] expressed his determination to rescue the priest, or perish in the attempt.—Mass. Spy, Dec. 15.
[This “priest” is a Congregational minister. He puts bands, and a “surplice,” probably a black gown, with a belt.]
1829.
| A justice of the peace, for the time being, | |
| They bow to, but may turn him out next year: | |
| They reverence their priest, but, disagreeing | |
| In price or creed, dismiss him without fear. | |
Fitz-Greene Halleck, ‘The New England Men,’ Mass. Spy, June 3. |
1853. I have directed several young gentlemen to priest Bulkley’s in my time…. You will just keep straight on through the village till you come to the meeting house, and the priest’s house is the third beyond it, on your left hand, just at the head of the road.—Edmund Quincy, ‘A Story Without a Moral,’ Putnam’s Mag., ii. 82–3 (July).
1856. Henry Ward Beecher was alluded to as a priest by Mr. Mason and by Mr. Butler in the House of Representatives. April 10: Congressional Globe, p. 863.
1878. Priest Robbins he come to see her a spell ago, and he praised up the looks o’ things amazin’.—Rose T. Cooke, ‘Cal Culver and the Devil,’ Harper’s Mag., lvii. 581/1 (Sept.).
