clergy

Everyday

1. The priests, ministers, vicars, rabbis, imams and other religious leaders of a religion, as a group. tree →
2. Members of the clergy: people whose job is to lead worship and look after a religious community. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons the clergy were a powerful group in medieval times, along with nobles and peasants. In RE lessons pupils learn the names of different clergy. Phrases: the clergy, members of the clergy, local clergy.

Examples

• The clergy led the service at the cathedral. tree →
• In the Middle Ages the clergy could often read and write when most people could not. tree →
• Members of the clergy visited the hospital. tree →
• The vicar is a member of the clergy. tree →
• The clergy of several faiths met to talk about peace. tree →
• A single priest is a clergyman or clergywoman. tree →

Note

A group noun; it usually takes "the" and a plural verb: "the clergy are". One person is a clergyman, clergywoman or member of the clergy. Opposite: the laity (ordinary members).