clergy

[ klur-jee ]

/ ˈklɜr dʒi /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR clergy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural cler·gies.

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

Nearby words

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

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

Related forms

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

Can be confused

clergy cleric imam minister pastor priest rabbi

Usage note

See collective noun.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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

clergy

noun, plural cler·gies.

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of clergy

Related forms

Can be confused

Usage note

Examples from the Web for clergy

British Dictionary definitions for clergy

clergy

noun plural -gies

Word Origin for clergy