Hieratic

[hahy-uh-rat-ik, hahy-rat-] /ˌhaɪ əˈræt ɪk, haɪˈræt-/

adjective
1.
Also, hieratical. of or relating to priests or the priesthood; sacerdotal; priestly.
2.
noting or pertaining to a form of ancient Egyptian writing consisting of abridged forms of hieroglyphics, used by the priests in their records.
3.
noting or pertaining to certain styles in art in which the representations or methods are fixed by or as if by religious tradition.
4.
highly restrained or severe in emotional import:
Some of the more hieratic sculptures leave the viewer curiously unmoved.
noun
5.
ancient Egyptian hieratic writing.
/ˌhaɪəˈrætɪk/
adjective
1.
of or relating to priests
2.
of or relating to a cursive form of hieroglyphics used by priests in ancient Egypt
3.
of or relating to styles in art that adhere to certain fixed types or methods, as in ancient Egypt
noun
4.
the hieratic script of ancient Egypt
adj.

“pertaining to sacred things,” 1650s (implied in hieratical), from Latin hieraticus, from Greek hieratikos “pertaining to a priest or his office, priestly,” from hierateia “priesthood,” from hiereus “priest,” from hieros “sacred, holy, hallowed; superhuman, mighty; divine” (see ire).