a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in (1846) I. 138 In thee wold have bein at ane vane Clerk play two or three thowsand people.
1575 (Jam.) The playing of Clerk-playis, comedies or tragedies upon the canonical parts of the Scripture, induceth and bringeth in with it a contempt and profanation of the same.
1588 R. Maitland (Jam.) Everilk man yow prayis To maik bain~fyris, fairseis, and clerk-playis.