a lay clerk, also known as a lay vicar, is a term used in the united kingdom to describe a male singer who sings in a cathedral choir or a choir belonging to a college of one of the large traditional universities. a lay clerk is usually paid for the job. when he is called "lay vicar" the term "vicar" comes from the latin word "vice" (meaning "deputy"). a lay vicar is not in holy orders (he is not a priest). today there are a few female lay clerks, e.g. in dublin.