be in/take orders

be in holy orders

To have been ordained a priest. Holy Orders is the sacrament by which one becomes a priest. Michael always wanted to be a priest, so I'm not surprised to hear that he's in holy orders now.See also: holy, order

take holy orders

To join the priesthood. Holy Orders is the sacrament by which one becomes a priest. Michael has always wanted to be a priest, and he's finally going to take holy orders later this year.See also: holy, order, take

be in/take (holy) ˈorders

be/become a priest: He wanted to take holy orders, but his father had other plans for him.See also: order, take