Definition

Noun: 1. The office, position, or authority of a vicar: This refers to the official role and duties associated with being a vicar, a clergyperson in charge of a parish in some Christian churches. 2. The tenure or term of service of a vicar: This refers to the period during which a person holds the office of vicar. 3. The religious institution under the authority of a vicar: This refers to the parish or ecclesiastical district governed by a vicar, considered as an organized entity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was appointed to the vicarship of the rural parish. (He was appointed to the position of vicar.)
  • During his long vicarship, the church community grew significantly. (During his long term of service as vicar...)
  • The vicarship has been a cornerstone of the village's life for centuries. (The parish institution led by the vicar...)

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a historical or formal context to discuss ecclesiastical governance and church history.
• It can imply not just the role itself but the associated responsibilities and spiritual jurisdiction.

Variants and Related Words

• Vicar (n): The clergyperson who holds the vicarship.
• Vicarate (n): A less common synonym for vicarship, meaning the office or district of a vicar.
• Vicarial (adj): Pertaining to a vicar or a vicarship.

Synonyms

• Pastorate: The office or jurisdiction of a pastor.
• Rectorship: The office of a rector (a similar clerical role in some churches).
• Incumbency: The period during which an incumbent holds a position, often used for clergy.

Idioms and Phrases

• To hold the vicarship: To occupy the office of vicar.
  • He held the vicarship for over thirty years.

Noun

1. the religious institution under the authority of a vicar