Definition

1. Noun:
   • (In the Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish: A vicar is a parish priest in the Anglican Church, historically one who received a stipend rather than the full tithes of the parish.
   • (In the Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel: A vicar can be a cleric in charge of a mission or chapel that is not yet a fully independent parish.
   • (In the Roman Catholic Church) a priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman: A vicar is a deputy or representative, such as a vicar general who assists a bishop, or the "Vicar of Christ," a title for the Pope.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The new vicar gave a moving sermon on Sunday.
  • The bishop appointed a vicar to oversee the mission church.
  • He served as the vicar general for the diocese.

Advanced Usage

• "Vicar of Bray": A proverbial term for a person who changes their principles or allegiances to suit the times, from a 18th-century song about a vicar who retained his position through successive religious changes.

  • He was accused of being a Vicar of Bray, always siding with the current leadership.

• "Vicar of Christ": A traditional title for the Pope, emphasizing his role as a representative of Jesus Christ on Earth.

  • The decree was issued under the authority of the Vicar of Christ.

Variants and Related Words

• Vicarage (n): The residence of a vicar.

  • The old vicarage is next to the church.

• Vicarial (adj): Pertaining to a vicar or a vicariate.

• Vicariate (n): The office, authority, or district of a vicar.

Synonyms

• Curate: A clergy member assisting a parish priest (note: a curate is typically an assistant, while a vicar is in charge).
• Rector: In the Anglican Church, a parish priest who historically received the full tithes (contrasted with a vicar).
• Parish priest: A priest in charge of a parish.
• Deputy: A person appointed to act for another.

Related Phrases

• To play the vicar: (Informal, rare) To act in a morally superior or sanctimonious way.
  • He's always playing the vicar, telling us how to live our lives.

Noun

1. (Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish
2. (Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel
3. a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman