Clerkly

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the manner, appearance or habits typical of a clerk, such as being precise, formal and office-bound
2. Suggesting the careful, routine and somewhat dry manner associated with office workers who keep records
3. Relating to or befitting a clerk, especially in being methodical, orderly and meticulous about paperwork

Etymology: "Clerkly" is about as plain as English word-building gets: the noun "clerk" with the suffix "-ly" attached, the same ending that turns "friend" into "friendly" or "man" into "manly." The adjective means having the qualities associated with a clerk, or of or relating to a clerk, and the suffix does its usual job of describing something in the manner or character of the base noun. The noun underneath has a longer and more interesting past. "Clerk" descends from Latin "clericus," which was itself borrowed from Greek "klerikos," relating to a lot or inheritance, and it originally meant a churchman or cleric, since medieval clergy were among the few people who could read and write. Over time the word broadened from the ordained to anyone who kept records, which is why a modern clerk is more likely to work at a desk than at an altar. The adjective "clerkly" carries that scholarly, administrative sense forward.

Synonyms: scholarly, learned