'cleric' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'clericus', where 'clericus' referred to 'a member of the clergy' (from Greek 'klerikos').

'cleric' changed from Old English 'clerc'/'clerec' and Middle English 'clerc'/'clerec', which were borrowed from Late Latin 'clericus', itself from Greek 'klerikos' (from 'kleros').

Initially it was connected to 'kleros' (meaning 'lot' or 'inheritance') and referred to those given a special role; over time it evolved to mean specifically 'a member of the clergy' and later acquired additional senses (e.g., a gaming character class).