clero

clergy

noun KLEH-roh Rare

Origin: From Latin clerus, from Greek kleros (lot, inheritance).

Usage Note

Clero is a collective noun referring to ordained ministers as a group; like ejército or pueblo it takes a singular verb. Distinguish alto clero ('upper clergy', bishops and above) from bajo clero ('lower clergy', parish priests). The adjective is clerical and the individual member is a clérigo.

Examples

"El clero apoyó la nueva ley."

Natural Translation

The clergy supported the new law.

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