cleric
UK[ˈklerɪk]US[ˈklerɪk]
n
a member of the clergy in a religion, especially in the christian church.
Etymology
the term 'cleric' entered english in the early 17th century from the latin 'clēricus', which itself originated from the ecclesiastical greek 'klērikos', meaning 'pertaining to an inheritance' or 'of the clergy'. this greek term derived from 'klēros', signifying 'lot, inheritance, or allotment', reflecting the early christian notion that clergy were chosen by god or received a spiritual inheritance. the semantic evolution moved from the general concept of a chosen lot to specifically denote a person ordained for religious duties, a meaning solidified in late latin and medieval ecclesiastical use before being adopted into english.
Analysis
the word 'cleric' is a simplex loanword from latin 'clēricus', meaning 'clergyman'. it is not productively segmented into smaller morphemes in modern english spelling.
Examples
he trained for many years to become a cleric in the anglican church.
the medieval town was governed by both secular officials and clerics.
the role of a cleric involves leading worship, providing pastoral care, and studying religious texts.