The term 'monastic leader' refers to the head of a monastic community. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'PRIOR' and 'ABBOT'. A PRIOR is a religious superior in a monastery, usually ranking below an ABBOT. An ABBOT is the head of a monastery or other religious house, typically elected by the monks or nuns. Both positions are responsible for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the members of the monastic community.