cleric

cler·ic

noun \ˈkler-ik, ˈkle-rik\

Definition of CLERIC

: a member of the clergy

Examples of CLERIC

1. <clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified>

Origin of CLERIC

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use: 1621

Related to CLERIC

Synonyms: clergyperson, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher, priest, reverend

Antonyms: layman, layperson, secular

Related Words: churchman, clergyman, father, Holy Joe [slang], padre; clergywoman, deaconess, priestess; abbot, archbishop, archpriest, bishop, dean, diocesan, monsignor, pope, prelate, presbyter; abbé, curate, curé, parson, pastor, rector, shepherd, vicar; chaplain, confessor, sky pilot; evangelist, missionary, missioner, missionizer, revivalist; friar, mendicant, monastic, monk, oblate, religious; high priest, high priestess

Near Antonyms: lay reader, lector

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Rhymes with CLERIC

Berwick, derrick, ferric, Herrick, steric