Bishop
/ˈbɪʃ.əp/noun
A senior member of the Christian clergy, typically in charge of a diocese.
Did you know?In ancient times, bishops were often seen as divine intermediaries, wielding power that could shape kingdoms and destinies through their spiritual authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰiǵʰ-
“to be strong, to be powerful”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos)
“overseer, guardian”
Late Latin
Latin
episcopus
“overseer, bishop”
Old French
Old French
evesque
“bishop, overseer of the church”
Middle English
Middle English
bisshop
“bishop, church leader”
Modern English
English
bishop
“a senior church official with authority over a diocese.”