1 : a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service. 2 : the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion Buddhist clergy.

What is an example of clergy?

An example of clergy are priests. Body of persons, such as ministers, sheiks, priests and rabbis, who are trained and ordained for religious service. ... The body of people ordained or recognized by a religious community as ritual or spiritual leaders.

What does clergy mean in history?

By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica | View Edit History. Clergy, a body of ordained ministers in a Christian church. In the Roman Catholic Church and in the Church of England, the term includes the orders of bishop, priest, and deacon.