clerk
clerk · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A person employed in an office or store to keep records, assist customers, or perform administrative duties.
- 2.
To work as a clerk.
- 3.
An official responsible for keeping records, especially in a court or legislative body.
- 4.
(British) A professional or scholarly worker, especially in certain fields.
Forms
plural: clerks
Phrases & expressions
- •desk clerk — a receptionist at a hotel or office
- •law clerk — a legal assistant to a judge
- •sales clerk — a retail store employee
- •clerk of court — an official who manages court records
Related words
Etymology
From Latin "clericus" (clergyman) via Old French "clerc." Originally referred to members of the clergy who were among the few literate people in medieval times and thus handled written documents. The secular sense developed as literacy spread.