A clerk is a person who performs various administrative tasks, often in an office setting. They may handle duties such as data entry, maintaining records, handling correspondence, and assisting customers or clients. Clerks are typically responsible for keeping documents organized and ensuring that the office runs smoothly.
The word clerk originates from the Old French term clerc, meaning a clergyman or scholar, which in turn comes from the Latin word clericus, meaning "of the clergy." This association arose because many clerks in the past were educated members of the clergy who could read and write, skills that were rare during that time.