English Explanatory Dictionary

clergy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A body of persons, such as priests, who are trained and ordained for religious service.

Pronunciation

/ˈklɜːdʒi/ /ˈklɝd͡ʒi/ en-us-clergy.ogg

Word forms

clergy clergies

Etymology

From Middle English clergie (attested in the 13th century), from Old French clergie (“learned men”), from Late Latin clēricātus, from Latin clēricus (“one ordained for religious services”), from Ancient Greek κληρικός (klērikós, “of the clergy”). Equivalent to cleric + -ate.

Synonyms

first estate spiritualty third sex clergy spirituality

Antonyms

laity nonclergy

Related words

cleric clerical clerisy clerk

Derived words

anticlergy benefit of clergy black clergy clergical clergyable clergy collar clergyism clergylike clergyman clergyperson clergywoman nonclergy secular clergy
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