clergy

[ klur-jee ]

noun

, plural cler·gies.

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

clergy

/ ˈklɜːdʒɪ /

noun

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

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• clergy·like adjective
• anti·clergy adjective
• pro·clergy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clergy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clergy¹

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

Example Sentences

Their anger forced the government to retract a controversial finance bill that had included more tax increases - and it woke up the churches, whose clergy began to openly criticise Ruto and his policies.

From BBC

“I think there are more clergy members violating it and being more brazen about it because I think they see a federal court system that might welcome a challenge to the Johnson Amendment and might be on the side of that,” Markert said.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Church has voted to move to introduce prayers for same-sex couples, clergy will also be allowed not to lead such blessings if they feel they do not want to.

From BBC

Among them, there will be relief that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has stepped aside as someone who had lost credibility on the issue which would make it difficult to sanction other clergy for not doing enough.

From BBC

"If there are senior clergy who have broken the law then they need to be called to account," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• priesthood