noun
- A Christian clergyman or priest, especially in India or other parts of Asia; a chaplain.
Usage: historical; chiefly British colonial usage; from Portuguese padre
Examples
- The padri conducted services for the British garrison in India.
- Local residents sought the padri's counsel on spiritual matters.
- During the colonial period, the padri served as both religious leader and community advisor.
- The padri's residence was located near the mission church.
- Many padris worked to establish schools and hospitals in remote regions.