ˈklərjē, -ə̄j-, -əij-, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English clergie, from Old French, from clerg- (alteration — influenced by clergié body of ecclesiastics — of clerc clergyman) + -ie -y — more at clerk
1. : learning , knowledge — used chiefly in the proverb an ounce of mother wit is worth a pound of clergy
2. : the body of men and women duly ordained to the service of God in the Christian church : the body of ordained ministers : clergymen and clergywomen
3. : a body of religious officials or functionaries prepared and authorized to conduct religious services and attend to other religious duties
the Taoist clergy
the Jewish clergy
4. : benefit of clergy 1