n. 1 a (in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layman (cf. RECTOR). b (in an Episcopal Church) a member of the clergy deputizing for another. 2 RC Ch. a representative or deputy of a bishop. 3 (in full lay vicar or vicar choral) a cleric or choir member appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service. vicar apostolic RC Ch. a Roman Catholic missionary or titular bishop. vicar-general (pl. vicars-general) 1 an Anglican official assisting or representing a bishop esp. in administrative matters. 2 RC Ch. a bishop's assistant in matters of jurisdiction etc. Vicar of Christ the Pope. vicariate n. vicarship n.
[ ME f. AF viker(e), OF vicaire f. L vicarius substitute f. vicis: see VICE(3) ]