vicar-general

[ vik-er-jen-er-uhl ]

noun

, plural vic·ars-gen·er·al.

1. Roman Catholic Church. a priest deputized by a bishop to assist him in the administration of a diocese.
2. Church of England. an ecclesiastical officer, usually a layperson, who assists a bishop or an archbishop in the discharge of his judicial or administrative duties.

vicar general

noun

1. an official, usually a layman, appointed to assist the bishop of a diocese in discharging his administrative or judicial duties

Other Words From

• vicar-gener·al·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicar-general¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

He was Vicar-General of Chartres, and one of the greatest politicians of his time.

From Project Gutenberg

He was old and infirm and after nine years, felt compelled to ask for a Vicar-General to assist him in his work.

From Project Gutenberg

The said our father vicar-general was outside the court visiting the provinces, when the father commissary arrived.

From Project Gutenberg

Our father vicar-general attended to that with the so holy zeal that he was known to possess.

From Project Gutenberg

"It doesn't warm me up a bit, that sort of thing," said the Vicar-General.

From Project Gutenberg