vicar capitular

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

plural

vicars capitular 

1. a cleric chosen by a cathedral chapter to manage a bishopric during a vacancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicar capitular¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

In 1879 Bishop Zinelli died, and Monsignor Sarto was elected vicar capitular to administer the diocese while the see remained vacant.

From Project Gutenberg