ecclesiastic

American  

[ih-klee-zee-as-tik] / ɪˌkli ziˈæs tɪk /

noun

1. a member of the clergy or other person in religious orders.

2. a member of the ecclesia in ancient Athens.

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adjective

1. ecclesiastical.

ecclesiastic British  

/ ɪˌkliːzɪˈæstɪk /

noun

1. a clergyman or other person in holy orders

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adjective

1. of or associated with the Christian Church or clergy

Other Word Forms

• antiecclesiastic noun
• nonecclesiastic adjective
• unecclesiastic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ecclesiastic

1475–85; < Late Latin ecclēsiasticus < Greek ekklēsiastikós. See Ecclesiastes, -ic

Example Sentences

One would think that such a noble ecclesiastic gathering would be governed by wisdom and good sense.

From Salon

“Assuming our right to decide and dissent with the ecclesiastic hierarchy allows us, as Catholics who embrace our faith, to make decisions in freedom and choose our own life project,” said activist Maribel Luna.

From Seattle Times

This “ecclesiastic public property” is “entrusted” to individual departments to use but is destined for the universal needs of the church to fulfill its mission, the law states.

From Seattle Times

The Vatican defended the extension by saying the agreement was purely ecclesiastic and pastoral in nature, and not political.

From Seattle Times

In the skies above, a Georgian Orthodox archbishop in full ecclesiastic regalia sat inside a helicopter clutching a framed icon.

From Washington Post