man of the cloth
Pastor or priest
A man of the cloth is a member of the clergy—a priest, minister, rabbi, or other religious leader.
The cloth refers to the distinctive garments worn by clergy, particularly the black fabric of clerical dress.
The phrase is somewhat formal or old-fashioned: The man of the cloth offered a blessing before the meal.
One who performs sacraments
- pastorChristian congregation leader
- ministerReligious leader or serve
- reverendWorthy of veneration
- vicarClergy substitute for bishop
parson · chaplain · rector · preacher · deacon · curate · bishop · monsignor
Clergy appointment ceremony
- callingStrongly felt purpose
- vowsSolemn binding promises
- celibacyAbstaining from intimate relations
- obedienceCompliance with authority
poverty · consecration · seminary · vestments · collar · cassock · habit · tonsure
Clergy's worship address
- homilyReligious discourse on scripture
- massQuantity of matter
- liturgyFormal worship structure
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
baptism · confession · blessing · benediction · funeral · wedding · absolution · anointing
Trust without proof
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- pietySincere religious devotion
- prayerAddress to deity
- meditationFocused attention practice
contemplation · asceticism · mysticism · holiness · sanctity · reverence · worship · intercession
priest
One who performs sacraments
vicar · parson · chaplain · rector · preacher · deacon · curate · bishop · monsignor · canon
ordination
Clergy appointment ceremony
obedience · poverty · consecration · seminary · vestments · collar · cassock · habit · tonsure · ministry
sermon
Clergy's worship address
sacrament · baptism · confession · blessing · benediction · funeral · wedding · absolution · anointing · communion
faith
Trust without proof
meditation · contemplation · asceticism · mysticism · holiness · sanctity · reverence · worship · intercession · discernment
man of the clothlayperson
Non-specialist or unordained person
layman · laywoman · laity · secular · congregant
man of the clothman of the world
Experienced, urbane individual
worldling · secularist · materialist · unbeliever · heathen
cloth, cloths, clothe, clothes, clothing, clothed, unclothed, manly, manliness