clergy

[ klur-jee ]

/ ˈklɜr dʒi /

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noun, plural cler·gies.

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

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Origin of clergy

1175–1225; Middle English clerge, clergie < Old French clergé (< Late Latin clericātus office of a priest; see cleric, -ate³), clergie, equivalent to clerc cleric + -ie -y³, with -g- after clergé

usage note for clergy

See collective noun.

OTHER WORDS FROM clergy

cler·gy·like, adjectivean·ti·cler·gy, adjectivepro·cler·gy, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH clergy

clergy cleric imam minister pastor priest rabbi

Words nearby clergy

cleptobiosis, cleptocracy, cleptomania, clerc, clerestory, clergy, clergyman, clergyperson, clergywoman, cleric, clerical

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for clergy

As for the federal authorities, they have made themselves available but the clergy have not requested special protection.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
African American clergy are getting in on the action as well.
Can Ferguson Swing the Election?|Joshua DuBois|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
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 Career|Kevin Fallon|August 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are supportive African (and African-American) clergy calling for coexistence rather than violence.
The Uganda Ruling is Good For Everyone But Gays|Jay Michaelson|August 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

That was a given among the bishops and clergy, who supported the change overwhelmingly.
Church of England Gets Female Bishops and a Conservative Backlash|Nico Hines|July 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the city itself there were thirty-two “mansuræ” or mansions, held by the clergy, rendering 35s.
The Cathedral Church of Canterbury [2nd ed.].|Hartley Withers
The returns were completed; the members assembled in London, and with them as usual the convocation of the clergy.
History of England from the fall of Wolsey to the death of Elizabeth. Vol. III|James Anthony Froude
He had done that which most of the clergy are obliged to do—taken a pupil.
The Wits and Beaux of Society|Grace & Philip Wharton
On seeking re-election in York, he declined to give any pledge on the burning question of the Clergy Reserves and was defeated.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 2|Various
The latter is very common among the 321 populace, and sometimes among the clergy.
Constitutional History of England, Henry VII to George II, Volume II|Henry Hallam

British Dictionary definitions for clergy

clergy

/ (ˈklɜːdʒɪ) /

noun plural -gies

the collective body of men and women ordained as religious ministers, esp of the Christian ChurchRelated adjectives: clerical, pastoral

Word Origin for clergy

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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clergy

noun, plural cler·gies.

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Origin of clergy

usage note for clergy

OTHER WORDS FROM clergy

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH clergy

Words nearby clergy

Example sentences from the Web for clergy

British Dictionary definitions for clergy

noun plural -gies

Word Origin for clergy

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

clergy

noun, plural cler·gies.

QUIZZES

DIVE INTO THIS BALMY SUMMERTIME SPELLING QUIZ

Origin of clergy

usage note for clergy

OTHER WORDS FROM clergy

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH clergy

Words nearby clergy

Words related to clergy

Example sentences from the Web for clergy

British Dictionary definitions for clergy

noun plural -gies

Word Origin for clergy