Defn: An ordained minister; a man regularly authorized to peach the gospel, and administer its ordinances; in England usually restricted to a minister of the Established Church.

CLERIC
Cler"ic, n. Etym: [AS., fr. L. clericus. See Clerk.]

Defn: A clerk, a clergyman. [R.] Bp. Horsley.

CLERIC
Cler"ic, a.

Defn: Same as Clerical.

CLERICAL
Cler"ic*al, a. Etym: [LL. clericalis. See Clerk.]

1. Of or pertaining to the clergy; suitable for the clergy. "A clerical education." Burke.

2. Of or relating to a clerk or copyist, or to writing. "Clerical work." E. Everett. A clerical error, an error made in copying or writing.

CLERICALISM
Cler"ic*al*ism, n.

Defn: An excessive devotion to the interests of the sacerdotal order; undue influence of the clergy; sacerdotalism.