— clergylike , adj.
/klerr"jee/ , n. , pl. clergies .
the group or body of ordained persons in a religion, as distinguished from the laity.
[ 1175-1225; ME clerge, clergie clergé ( clericatus office of a priest; see CLERIC, -ATE 3 ), clergie, equiv. to clerc CLERIC + -ie -Y 3 , with -g- after clergé ]
Usage . See collective noun .