Definition of CLERGY

clergy

Meanings

Plural: clergies

Noun

  • in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)
  • Body of persons, such as priests, who are trained and ordained for religious service.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English clergie (attested in the 13th century), from Old French clergie (“learned men”), from Late Latin clēricātus, from Latin clēricus (“one ordained for religious services”), from Ancient Greek κληρικός (klērikós, “of the clergy”). Equivalent to cleric + -ate.

Antonyms

laity

Scrabble Score: 12

clergy is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
clergy is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
clergy is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

clergy is a valid Words With Friends word