Clergyable

/ˈklɜrdʒiəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being ordained into the clergy, or qualified for the priesthood (archaic).

Etymology

From 'clergy' plus the suffix '-able,' meaning 'capable of' or 'fit for.' This is an archaic formation reflecting older religious and legal standards for clerical qualification.

Kelly Says

Medieval Church law used terms like 'clergyable' to determine who could legally become clergy—it was a specific legal and religious status that carried real power, since clergy answered to different courts than commoners.

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