Definition: Clergy

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Etymology

From Middle English clergie (attested in the thirteenth century), from Old French clergié (learned men), from Late Latin clÄ“ricÄtus, from Latin clÄ“ricus (one ordained for religious services), from Ancient Greek κληÏικός or klÄ“rikós (of the clergy).

Noun

clergy (plural clergies)

  1. Body of persons, such as priests, who are trained and ordained for religious service.
    Today we brought together clergy from the Unificationist, Catholic, New Age, and Islamic traditions for an interfaith dialogue.

Derived terms

  • clergyman

Related terms

  • cleric
  • clerical
  • clerk

Credits

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