(a respectful title for) a member of the clergy.

used as a respectful form of address; in later use given chiefly to a member of the clergy, esp. in Ireland.

With possessive adjective, as your Fathership. As a title of respect or respectful form of address for an ecclesiastic. Now rare (archaic in later…

Lord, master: used in respectful address to the clergy or members of learned professions.

With possessive adjective: a title of respect used in addressing or referring to a member of the clergy (cf. reverence, n. phrases 6).

Used before a name as a title of a member of the clergy: Reverend. Cf. Rev., adj. 1.

With possessive adjective: a mock title of respect for a rook.

As a title or form of address preceding the name of a male lay preacher or (later) a Protestant minister or pastor. In later use chiefly U.S.

Employed as a form of address to an ecclesiastic. rare.

In Germany and other German-speaking areas: a minister, priest, or pastor. Also as a title: ‘Father’.

Chiefly colloquial. A member of the clergy; = reverend, n. 1. Also as a form of address.

Used as a form of address to a member of the clergy.