prep acting of suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer.
2. vicarious ·prep of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.
3. vicarious ·prep performed of suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment.
4. vicarious ·prep acting as a substitute;
said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation.