I. -rə̇kəl, -ēk- adjective
Etymology: Late Latin clericalis, from clericus
1. : of, belonging to, or characteristic of the clergy, a clergyman, or a cleric
clerical vows
2. : of, suitable to, or belonging to a clerk in an office or business
clerical occupations such as bookkeeping
: being or consisting of an office clerk or clerks
clerical staff
3. : governed by or supporting the principles of clericalism
a clerical party
• cler·i·cal·ly -rə̇k(ə)lē, -ēk-, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a clergyman or cleric
2. : one who believes in or supports clericalism : a member of a clerical party
the clericals proposed compulsory religious education in the public schools
3. clericals plural : clerical garments
4. : one who does clerical work in an office or business
permanent jobs as secretaries, clericals, typists — New York Times