A female member of the clergy; an ordained or appointed woman religious leader.
Combines clergy with woman (from Old English wīfman, literally 'wife-man'). This term emerged prominently in the 20th century as women were gradually admitted to ordained ministry in various religious traditions.
'Clergywoman' is a relatively new word in English dictionaries—most before 1970 wouldn't include it—reflecting the genuine historical fact that women were legally barred from most religious leadership roles until very recently.
Marked feminine form created to distinguish women clergy from the unmarked masculine default 'clergyman'. The need for this term reflects historical exclusion; women clergy required special naming.
Use 'clergy member' or 'ordained minister/priest' unless gender is contextually essential. 'Clergywoman' is acceptable when a woman self-identifies this way or when gender parity is being highlighted.
["clergy member","ordained minister","ordained priest","female clergy member"]
Women's ordination and clergy roles have expanded significantly in many traditions; this term reflects progress, though gender-neutral language better normalizes their authority.
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