See Also: vicar(dictionary)
vicar(dictionary)
vicar-general(dictionary)

vicar (iou)



vicar noun. ME.
[Anglo-Norman vicare, vikere from Old & mod. French vicaire (now) assistant curate, deputy, from Latin vicarius substitute, deputy, from vic-: see VICE noun4 & preposition, -AR2.]
Christian Church. A person regarded as an earthly representative of God or Christ; spec. (a) the Pope; (b) St Peter. Also, Christ or the Holy Spirit regarded as representing God. ME.
Orig., a person ministering to a parish in place of the rector, or as the representative of a religious community to which the tithes had been passed. Later, in the Anglican Church, the incumbent of a parish of which the tithes were formerly passed to a chapter, religious house, or layman (cf. RECTOR 2); now also (in full team vicar), a priest who is a member of a team ministry. ME.
In an Episcopal Church, a member of the clergy deputizing for another (esp. a bishop) in the performance of ecclesiastical functions; spec. (Roman Catholic Church) a bishop's deputy. Also with specifying adjective, as papal vicar, vicar episcopal, etc. LME.
More fully vicar choral. A member of the clergy or choir appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service. LME.
gen. A person deputizing for another, esp. in administrative functions. Also (rare), a thing substituted for another. LME.
Phrases: lay vicar = sense 4 above. team vicar: see sense 2 above. vicar apostolic Roman Catholic Church a missionary; a titular bishop. vicar choral: see sense 4 above. Vicar of Bray [with allus. to a 16th-cent. vicar of Bray in Berkshire, popularly believed to have changed religion several times] a person who readily changes his or her principles according to circumstances. Vicar of Christ the Pope.
vicarate noun = VICARIATE noun 3b L19.
vicarish adjective appropriate to or characteristic of a vicar M20.
vicarship noun the office or position of a vicar M16.