(Greek: kleros, lot, portion) A term applied to those separated from the laity, attached in a special manner to Divine service, and capable of administering the rites of the Church. Therefore the word clergy embraces the whole ecclesiastical hierarchy. To be numbered among the clergy one must receive at least first tonsure.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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