clergy

American  

[klur-jee] / ˈklɜr dʒi /

noun

plural

clergies

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

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clergy British  

/ ˈklɜːdʒɪ /

noun

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

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Grammar

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• anticlergy adjective
• clergylike adjective
• proclergy adjective

Etymology

Origin of clergy

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

Example Sentences

Jackson promised to take leave to "revive my spirit and reconnect with my family", but the speed with which he returned to public life damaged his credibility with some clergy across America.

From BBC

Some clergy members joined protests, but the church largely shied from similar action at the highest levels.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, he solicited hundreds of letters from writers, librarians, critics, lawyers, clergy and others about the book’s literary and social value.

From The Wall Street Journal

Safeguarding advocates and another senior member of clergy, like the Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley, said they felt Cottrell could have acted earlier and could have removed the priest.

From BBC

Target has faced protests from local clergy and politicians after two Target employees were detained at a store in a Minneapolis suburb.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• priesthood