Definition

1. Noun:
   • The office and dignity of a bishop: The position, rank, and associated authority of a bishop within a church hierarchy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was elevated to the bishopry after decades of faithful service.
  • The responsibilities of the bishopry are both administrative and spiritual.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or formal ecclesiastical contexts to denote the status and role, rather than the geographical diocese.
  • Upon his consecration, he entered into the bishopry with solemn vows.

Variants and Related Words

• Bishopric (n): A more common synonym, often used interchangeably with "bishopry" to mean the office or the diocese of a bishop.
• Episcopate (n): The office, term, or collective body of bishops.

Synonyms

• Bishopric: The office or diocese of a bishop.
• See: The jurisdiction or office of a bishop.
• Diocese: The district under a bishop's pastoral care (note: this emphasizes the territory more than the office itself).

Notes on Meaning

• "Bishopry" specifically refers to the , the rank and station itself. It is distinct from the physical location or the administrative district (diocese), though these concepts are closely related.

Noun

1. the office and dignity of a bishop