ecclesiastici
Ecclesiastici is an Italian term that functions as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, ecclesiastici refers to the clergy—the individuals who perform ordained ministry in Christian churches, including bishops, priests, deacons, and members of religious orders. The word can also be used more broadly to denote people who belong to or are associated with the church, or to refer to the body of clergy in historical or sociological contexts.
Etymology and usage: Ecclesiastici derives from the Latin ecclesiasticus, itself from ecclesia meaning church. In Italian,
Adjective forms and examples: As an adjective, the form is ecclesiastico (masc. sing.), ecclesiastica (fem. sing.),
See also: The term is closely related to clero, clergy, and canon law in Italian discussions of