clergy
- the group or body of ordained persons in a religion, as distinguished from the laity.
Origin of clergy
Usage note
Related Words for clergy
priesthood, conclave, cardinalate, pastorate, rabbinate, prelacy, canonicate, canonry, deaconry, diaconateExamples from the Web for clergy
Contemporary Examples of clergy
As for the federal authorities, they have made themselves available but the clergy have not requested special protection.
The Coalition is comprised of labor unions, anti-war activists, clergy, and so-called black empowerment groups.
As Michael Brown Grand Jury Winds Down, Is Ferguson on the Brink of War?Ron Christie
November 16, 2014
African American clergy are getting in on the action as well.
Akin to the clergy receiving “The Call” from God himself, Minaj has been touched by a booty angel.
Nicki Minaj’s Ass-tastic ‘Anaconda’ Video and the Curse of the Butt CareerKevin Fallon
August 21, 2014
There are supportive African (and African-American) clergy calling for coexistence rather than violence.
Historical Examples of clergy
There are many uneducated preachers who move the classes the clergy cannot touch.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
I am, myself, as great an enemy to the luxury and splendour of the clergy as he can be.
Joseph Andrews Vol. 1Henry Fielding
The treating of bishops and clergy is often noticed in the accounts.
English VillagesP. H. Ditchfield
Well would it be if all the clergy were as sweet-tempered as that Bishop of Helstonleigh!
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
The Prefect of the Department, the Bishop, the clergy, objected to her story.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
clergy
- the collective body of men and women ordained as religious ministers, esp of the Christian ChurchRelated adjectives: clerical, pastoral
Word Origin for clergy
Word Origin and History for clergy
c.1200, clergie "office or dignity of a clergyman," from two Old French words: 1. clergié "clerics, learned men," from Medieval Latin clericatus, from Late Latin clericus (see clerk); 2. clergie "learning, knowledge, erudition," from clerc, also from Late Latin clericus. Meaning "persons ordained for religious work" is from c.1300.