clergé

clergy

noun klehr-ZHEH Rare

Usage Note

Clergé refers collectively to ordained ministers of a religion, especially in the Catholic tradition that dominates French history. It is always used as a collective singular — never pluralised. The adjective clérical and the historical concept of cléricalisme (clericalism) stem from the same root, both still used in debates about France's tradition of laïcité (secularism).

Examples

"Le clergé a participé à la cérémonie."

Natural Translation

The clergy took part in the ceremony.

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