clerical etymology

Etymology:

  • Clerical derives from the Latin word "clericus" ("clerk", "scribe"), itself from the Greek word "κληρικος" ("clergyman", "of the clergy").

Meaning:

  • Pertaining to the clergy or the administration of a church.
  • Pertaining to an office or job that involves paperwork or record-keeping.

Origin:

The origin of the word "clericus" can be traced back to the Greek word "κληρος" ("lot" or "fate"), which referred to the practice of selecting religious officials through a form of divination.

Originally, "clericus" referred to the lower ranks of the clergy, such as those who performed the administrative and record-keeping duties of the church. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to include all members of the clergy, including priests, deacons, bishops, and even the pope.

In modern usage, "clerical" has two main meanings:

  • Religious: Pertaining to the clergy or the administration of a church or religious organization.
  • Office: Pertaining to an office or job that primarily involves paperwork or record-keeping tasks.

Examples:

  • Clerical duties: Filing, answering phones, typing, and other administrative tasks.
  • Clerical staff: Office workers responsible for these tasks.
  • Clerical collar: A distinctive white or black collar worn by Christian clergy.

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