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

Yet away from the mainstream, Ceirion Dewar, who is a bishop in the small, more conservative, traditionalist Confessing Anglican Church, insists he will not be "lectured to" by these clergy.

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Western missionaries were expelled; churches, mosques and temples were brought under state control or shuttered; and clergy who refused to join government-sanctioned “patriotic associations” were imprisoned.

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One piece of research gathered the stories of survivors of abuse in what are termed "faith settings" – which can include churches, schools and other places where clergy and leaders in religious organisations abused children.

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While authorities argue that restrictions are tied to safety and facility security, civil liberties groups warn that aggressive enforcement, especially when directed at clergy, can have a chilling effect on religious and political expression.

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Since he was a small boy, he’s been encouraged by teachers, clergy and many family members to serve a two-year mission in our faith.

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Related Words

• priesthood