Clergy

[L. Lat. c^««.] In English law* That division of the people which comprehends all persons in holy orders, (infra sacros ordines,) and in ecclesiastical offices, as distinguished from the laity, UBl, Com. 376.

3 Steph, Com, 66.

See Orders.

See Orders.

In old English law

That peculiar privil^e (L. Lat. clerinionia,) anciently enjoyed by the clergy, otherwise called benefit of clergy. See Benefit of clergy. To pray clergy was to claim this privilege, by praying to have a book, so that the prisoner could show that he could read as a clerk, which was the test established. Termes de la ley.

4 Bl, Com. 364, et seq. Dyer, 206. 1 SalL 61.