n., pl., -gies.
The body of people ordained for religious service. See Usage Note at collective noun.
[Middle English clergie, from Old French (from Vulgar Latin *clercīa , from Late Latin clēricus; see clerk) and from Old French clergié, body of clerks (from Vulgar Latin *clercātus , from Late Latin clēricātus , from clēricus, clerk, cleric).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
