hierarch

n.

1. One who occupies a position of authority in a religious hierarchy.
2. One who occupies a high position in a hierarchy: governmental hierarchs.

[From Middle English jerarchis, hierarchs, from Medieval Latin hierarcha, dignitary, prelate, from Greek hierarkhēs, high priest : hieros, holy + -arkhēs, -arch.]

(HY-uh-rark)

noun
A high-ranking person.

Etymology
From Latin hierarcha, from Greek hierarkhes (high priest), from hieros (sacred) + arkhes (ruling), from arkhein (to be first, to rule)

Usage
"But the sense among delegates at Blackpool is good, the party hierarchs are pleased - and the press has been kind." — Martin Kettle; Good in Parts; The Guardian (London, UK); Oct 3, 2007.

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noun

One who is highest in rank or authority: boss, chief, chieftain, director, head, headman, leader, master. Slang honcho. Idioms: cock of the walk. See over/under.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a senior clergyman
  Synonyms: archpriest, high priest, prelate, primate

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