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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
vicariate n. vicarship n.
Etymology: ME f. AF viker(e), OF vicaire f. L vicarius substitute f. vicis: see VICE(3)