Book Second. On the Precepts of Clerics

750. Cleric (kleros - lot), chosen into the lot or part of the Lord, is a Christian man who has been specially deputed to the service and worship of God. The name cleric is taken more broadly and more strictly. More broadly it signifies any Christian man who has been specially deputed to divine worship and service, whether this deputation happens through the reception of orders or through religious profession. Therefore in this sense all religious are comprehended by the name cleric, not excepting lay brothers and nuns. More strictly it signifies only those who by some ecclesiastical order or at least first tonsure have been deputed to the divine ministries.

In favorable matters the name cleric is taken in the first sense, but in odious matters in the second; in this same stricter sense there is also discussion here concerning the precepts or obligations of clerics.

Note. Since canonists treat expressly of the obligations of clerics, let it suffice in this place to speak: a. of vocation to the clerical state; b. of the divine office; c. of the obligation of spending superfluous goods on the poor.