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; vicarious

Example Sentences

As originally built it did not include a place of worship, but a large donation by a vicar and the agitation of some faithful fellows saw plans approved.

From The Wall Street Journal

Paul, a regular churchgoer from a family of Anglican vicars, spoke warmly about the service.

From BBC

It said this was "proving difficult to fill", particularly after the vicar left in September, with recruitment for their replacement yet to begin.

From BBC

The Reverend Jan Smith, its vicar, said: "We were praying last night for all of the people on the train and those severely injured."

From BBC

Reverend Poppy Hughes, who was asked about those who said vicars should be apolitical, replied: "Jesus preached peace and compassion and that's why I'm here".

From BBC

Related Words

• pastor