■ noun
1》 (in the Christian Church) a small administrative district with its own church and clergy.
2》 (also civil ~ ) Brit. the smallest unit of local government in rural areas.
3》 US (in Louisiana) a territorial division corresponding to a county in other states.
Origin
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. and OFr. paroche , from late L. parochia , from Gk paroikia 'sojourning', based on para- 'beside, subsidiary' + oikos 'dwelling'.