/ ˈdaɪəsɪs; NAmE / noun
( pl. dio·ceses / ˈdaɪəsiːz; NAmE /) ( in the Christian Church ) a district for which a bishop is responsible
► dio·cesan / daɪˈɒsɪsn; NAmE -ˈɑːs-/ adjective
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French diocise , from late Latin diocesis , from Latin dioecesis governor's jurisdiction, diocese, from Greek dioikēsis administration, diocese, from dioikein keep house, administer.