the group or body of ordained persons in a religion, as distinguished from the laity.
Origin: 1175–1225; ME clerge,clergie < OF clergé (< LL clericātus office of a priest; see cleric, -ate3), clergie, equiv. to clerccleric+ -ie-y3, with -g- after clergé
[klur-jee] 
dʒi