reverend

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) (used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order): Reverend Timothy Cranshaw; Reverend Mother.
2. worthy to be revered; entitled to reverence.
3. pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.

noun

4. Informal. a member of the clergy.

adjective

1. worthy of reverence
2. relating to or designating a clergyman or the clergy

noun

3. informal a clergyman

adjective

1. a title of respect for a clergymanAbbreviations: Rev., Revd See also Very Reverend, Right Reverend, Most Reverend

adj.

early 15c., “worthy of respect,” from Middle French reverend, from Latin reverendus “(he who is) to be respected,” gerundive of revereri (see reverence). As a form of address for clergymen, it is attested from late 15c.; earlier reverent (late 14c. in this sense). Abbreviation Rev. is attested from 1721, earlier Revd. (1690s). Very Reverend is used of deans, Right Reverend of bishops, Most Reverend of archbishops.

n.

“clergyman,” c.1500, from reverend (adj.).