clergy

[klur-jee]

noun

plural

clergies 

1. the group or body of ordained persons in a religion, as distinguished from the laity.

clergy

/ ˈklɜːdʒɪ /

noun

1. the collective body of men and women ordained as religious ministers, esp of the Christian Church

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• clergylike adjective
• anticlergy adjective
• proclergy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clergy¹

1175–1225; Middle English clerge, clergie < Old French clergé (< Late Latin clericātus office of a priest; cleric, -ate ³ ), clergie, equivalent to clerc cleric + -ie -y ³, with -g- after clergé

Word History and Origins

Origin of clergy¹

C13: from Old French clergie, from clerc ecclesiastic, _clerk

Example Sentences

A Church in Wales spokesperson said clergy who informed the bishop acted "in accordance with appropriate practice at the time" but a similar allegation would be handled differently now.

From BBC

"I've been trying for five years to come here," he told clergy at the church.

From BBC

With no regular government or Church of England funding "beyond clergy stipends", they said they "rely on the generosity of our visitors".

From BBC

The special Mass at St Colmcille's Church on Tuesday was attended by representatives from local clergy, police and politics as well as members of the public.

From BBC

He was speaking on behalf of the Sant'Egidio community, a movement of both lay people and clergy, committed to social service - and the priest was encouraging the students to embrace a pastoral mission.

From BBC

Related Words

• priesthood