An employee who performs administrative, record-keeping, or clerical duties in an office, court, or government department. In retail contexts, it refers to a salesperson or assistant who serves customers behind a counter.
Etymology
Origin: Greek / Late Latin / Old French
- klerikos — belonging to the clergy (Greek)
- clericus — priest or scholar (Late Latin)
Entered Middle English via the Old French 'clerc' from the Late Latin 'clericus'. In the Middle Ages, the only literate members of society who could read, write, and keep records were the clergy. Over time, the secular meaning of 'scribe' or 'office worker' completely overtook the original religious meaning.
Example
- The court clerk carefully reviewed the legal documentation before passing it to the judge.
source: [CAPS LOCK]