I. ˈsəfrə̇]gən, -rē], ÷ ]jən\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English suffragan, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin suffraganeus, from suffragium support, assistance, intercessory prayer — more at suffrage
1. or suffragan bishop
a. : a diocesan bishop (as in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England) subordinate to a metropolitan
b. : bishop suffragan
c. : a Protestant Episcopal bishop elected by a diocese as assistant to the diocesan without right of succession, having no share in the jurisdiction of the diocese, and taking such duties as are assigned to him from time to time — compare bishop coadjutor
2. obsolete : assistant , deputy , agent
II. adjective
1. : of or being a suffragan
2. : subordinate to a metropolitan or archiepiscopal see