Kleros
/ˈkleː.ros/noun
An ancient Greek noun meaning a lot, share, or allotment, and by extension a fate or destiny assigned by lot.
Did you know?Greek kleros is the root behind clergy and cleric because the church idea was originally tied to being “chosen by lot,” not just religious office.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱlē-
“to make a sound, call out, or summon”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κλῆρος (klêros)
“a lot, allotment, share, or piece assigned by lot”
Late Latin
Latin
clerus
“the clergy, the body of ordained ministers”
Old French
Old French
clergié
“the clergy; learned class”
Middle English
English
clergie
“the clergy; clerical status”
Modern English
English
clergy
“the body of ordained religious leaders”