clergy etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: clergie
  • Latin: clerus
  • Greek: klēros ("lot, share")

Meaning:

The word "clergy" refers to the ordained members of a religious organization, such as priests, deacons, and bishops. It can also refer to the institution or body of clergy within a particular religion.

Origin:

The term "clergy" originates from the Greek word klēros, which means "lot" or "share." In the early Christian church, the clergy were those who had been chosen by lot to serve as religious leaders. Over time, the term came to refer to all ordained members of the church, regardless of how they were appointed.

Extended Meanings:

In addition to its religious connotation, the word "clergy" has been used in a broader sense to refer to any group of educated or specialized individuals. For example, the phrase "the legal clergy" might be used to describe lawyers, while "the medical clergy" might refer to doctors.

clergy relate terms

  • clerk

    Clerk Etymology Middle English clerk from Old French clerc cleric from Medieval La

  • cleric

    Etymology The word cleric is derived from the following Latin clericus Greek kler

  • clergyman

    Etymology The word clergyman is derived from the Old French word clergé which in tu

  • clergy

    Etymology Old French clergie Latin clerus Greek klēros lot share Meaning T

  • clergywoman

    Etymology Clergywoman is a compound word derived from two words Clergy noun A body

  • clergy

    Etymology Old French clergie Latin clerus Greek klēros lot share Meaning T

  • woman

    Etymology The word woman comes from the Middle English word womman which in turn com

  • clergyman

    Etymology The word clergyman is derived from the Old French word clergé which in tu

  • cleric

    Etymology The word cleric is derived from the following Latin clericus Greek kler

  • estate

    Etymology of Estate The word estate derives from the Latin word status which refe

  • episcopal

    Etymology Episc Greek Over upon or above Op Greek Face view aspect al Latin

  • clerisy

    Etymology From Middle English clergiesie from Old French clergiesie from Latin cleric

  • commons

    Etymology Latin communis meaning shared or belonging to all Meaning Commons re

  • prelate

    Etymology Pre prefix Before superior to Late verb To bring or come after in tim

  • convocation

    Etymology Latin convocare to summon or call together Prefix con with verb

  • reverend

    Etymology Late Latin reverendus from the verb revereri to stand in awe of Proto In

  • Italy

    Etymology and Meaning Latin Italia land of the calves Derived from the ancient Gre

  • plumb

    Etymology The word plumb has two distinct etymologies Latin From the Latin word pl