noun
cleric
KLAIR-ik/ˈklerɪk/
A member of the clergy or a priest-like religious leader.
The cleric wears a white collar and green stole while holding a closed book.
Etymology
The “inheritance” sense was applied to Christian ministry, possibly through the biblical description of the Lord as the Levites’ inheritance. The resulting adjective came to designate someone belonging to the clergy.
In context
radical cleric has recently made a new home at the Al-Farooq mosque in Brooklyn
More examples
- Several clerics attended the discussion of religious education.
- A respected cleric spoke at the memorial.
- In the game, her cleric healed the wounded adventurer.
Forms
cleric · clerics
Similar words
- priest
- A particular religious office, while cleric is a broader term.