Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the clergy; a spiritual leader of the Christian Church: The phrase "man of the cloth" refers specifically to a man who is ordained for religious duties, such as a priest, minister, or pastor. It emphasizes his role and the traditional garments (clothing) associated with his office.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The community sought guidance from the man of the cloth.
  • As a man of the cloth, his words carried great moral weight.
  • The wedding was officiated by a respected man of the cloth.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in formal or traditional contexts to denote respect for the clergyperson's role.
• While historically and most commonly referring to Christian clergy, it can sometimes be used more broadly for religious leaders of other faiths in a metaphorical sense, though this is less standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Clergyman (n): A more direct synonym for a male member of the clergy.
• Clergy (n): The body of all people ordained for religious duties.
• The cloth (n): A metonym for the clergy as a profession or institution.
  • He was called to the cloth at a young age.

Synonyms

• Clergyman
• Priest
• Minister
• Pastor
• Reverend

Related Idioms

• A man of God: A very similar idiom emphasizing piety and religious vocation.
  • The villagers saw the missionary as a true man of God.

Noun

1. a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church