clergy
UK: ˈklɜːdʒi | US: ˈklɜːrdʒi
n. The body of people ordained for religious duties in the Christian Church.
n. A group of religious officials or leaders in other religions.
The word "clergy" traces back to the Greek kleros, meaning "lot" or "inheritance," which evolved in Christian Latin (clericus) to refer to those chosen by God for religious service. The suffix -gy (via Latin -ia) denotes a collective or state, forming "clergy" as the body of ordained individuals. The term reflects the idea of being "set apart" for divine duty, mirroring its biblical roots (e.g., 1 Peter 5:3).
The local clergy organized a charity event for the homeless.
Medieval clergy often held significant political influence.
She sought advice from the clergy about her spiritual concerns.
The clergy of different faiths gathered for an interfaith dialogue.
In some traditions, clergy wear distinctive robes during ceremonies.