Nomen

der Pfaff

priest (pejorative), cleric (pejorative), parson (pejorative)

Der Pfaff predigte von der Kanzel.

The priest preached from the pulpit.

Man nannte ihn spöttisch den Pfaffen.

He was mockingly called the priest.

((the priest)) (pejorative) The villagers distrusted the priest.

Synonyms: Priester (neutral), Geistlicher (neutral)

From Middle High German 'pfaffe', from Vulgar Latin 'papa' (pope, bishop, priest), related to English 'pope'.

The sound 'Pfaff' can sound like a dismissive puff of air, reflecting the word's pejorative meaning.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.