Now what is an Oxford Cleric?

While I read through the Canterbury Tales, I noticed that the Oxford Cleric has nothing to do with the church. What does his title even mean.

Solution 1:

In the Canterbury Tales that character is not a cleric but a "clerk". The Oxford English Dictionary lists an example from the Canterbury Tales, referring to that clerk ("A Clerc ther was of Oxenford"), under meaning 4.a., "A man (or woman) of book learning, one able to read and write; a scholar. (Now a historical archaism.)". So the correct translation of "Clerc of Oxenford" would be "a scholar from Oxford", not "an Oxford cleric", as it is commonly translated.

Solution 2:

I believe they are referring to a parish clerk which is defined as "an official designated to carry out various duties, either for a church parish or a parish council." In terms of how it is presented in the story, the clerk would both educate and pray for people in exchange for borrowing money. It is also believed that the King in his story is supposed to represent God while the wife represents the people and their absolute obedience and dedication to God. He is the opposite of many of the other clergy members on the trip, like the Friar and the Monk, as the Clerk is kind, selfless, diligent, and respectful. The clerk's character is supposed to represent what members of the Church should strive to be as many abuse their power for wealth and lavish lifestyles.