cleric

[kler-ik]

noun

1. a member of the clergy.

2. a member of a clerical party.

3. (used with a plural verb),  clerics, half-sized or small-sized reading glasses worn on the nose, usually rimless or with a thin metal frame.

adjective

1. pertaining to the clergy; clerical.

cleric

/ ˈklɛrɪk /

noun

1. a member of the clergy

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleric¹

1615–25; < Late Latin clēricus priest < Greek klērikós, equivalent to klêr ( os ) lot, allotment + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleric¹

C17: from Church Latin clēricus priest, _clerk

Example Sentences

His followers gave him the title of imam, an unusual honour for a living Shia cleric and one bestowed on him in recognition of his work on behalf of the Shia community.

From BBC

A prominent Taliban cleric had publicly singled him out as an apostate — a traitor to Islam — placing a bullseye on his head.

From Salon

Although both men have since died, the political movement inspired by the late cleric remains highly active and is regularly targeted by the authorities.

From BBC

The crisis then escalated on Wednesday, when security services detained 16 people, including Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a senior cleric who leads the opposition Sacred Struggle movement.

From BBC

When I ask Archpriest Father John Whiteford about Russia's top cleric, who many see as a warmonger, he assures me the Patriarch's words have been distorted.

From BBC

Related Words

• chaplain 
• clergyman 
• minister 
• priest 
• rabbi