'ecclesiastic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ekklēsiastikos,' where 'ekklēsia' meant 'assembly' or 'church.'

'ekklēsiastikos' transformed into the Latin word 'ecclesiasticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ecclesiastic' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to the church or its clergy,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.