vicar

American  

[vik-er] / ˈvɪk ər /

noun

1. Church of England.

   1. a person acting as priest of a parish in place of the rector, or as representative of a religious community to which tithes belong.

   2. the priest of a parish in which tithes were formerly transferred to a religious house, chapter, or layperson, the priest receiving only the smaller tithes or a salary.

2. Protestant Episcopal Church.

   1. a member of the clergy whose sole or chief charge is a chapel dependent on the church of a parish.

   2. a bishop's assistant in charge of a church or mission.

3. Roman Catholic Church. an ecclesiastic representing the pope or a bishop.

4. a person who acts in place of another; substitute.

5. a person who is authorized to perform the functions of another; deputy.

   God's vicar on earth.

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vicar British  

/ ˈvɪkə /

noun

1. Church of England

   1. (in Britain) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish from which, formerly, he did not receive tithes but a stipend

   2. a clergyman who acts as assistant to or substitute for the rector of a parish at Communion

   3. (in the US) a clergyman in charge of a chapel

2. RC Church a bishop or priest representing the pope or the ordinary of a diocese and exercising a limited jurisdiction

3. Also called: lay vicar.   vicar choral.  Church of England a member of a cathedral choir appointed to sing certain parts of the services

4. a person appointed to do the work of another

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Other Word Forms

• subvicar
  noun
• subvicarship
  noun
• undervicar
  noun
• vicarly
  adjective
• vicarship
  noun

Etymology

Origin of vicar

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French vicare, vicaire, vikere, from Old French vicaire, from Latin vicārius “a substitute, deputy,” noun use of adjective; see origin at vicarious

Explanation

A vicar is a member of the clergy who is not high-ranking but is still considered a holy representative of the church. Vicars are set slightly below the official head of a congregation or parish, sometimes acting as an agent or substitute clergyman. Originally considered an earthly go-between for man and God, the meaning of the word moved diminished as the vicar became sort of a "deputy" priest or parson. You can find a vicar in the Church of England, and also in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches. Consider that "vicarious" means something taking another's place — that's what a vicar does.

Example Sentences

Pierce continued in his post as Vicar of Llwynderw in Swansea.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

But it comes with all the skullduggery, wheeling and dealing, and conspiracy one would expect, as the frontrunners try to improve their chances of becoming the Vicar of Christ.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

At St. Mary’s Sunbury-on-Thames, west of London, Vicar Andrew Downes decided to shorten his Sunday service so the congregation could watch a livestream of the match in the parish hall.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2023

On March 9, Sinead O’Connor stood onstage at the Vicar Street concert venue in Dublin.

From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2023

“Why, Vicar, that altar is just divine!” cried Lucia.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• pastor