Vicar
/ˈvɪk.ər/noun
A representative or deputy of a bishop in the Church.
Did you know?The term 'Vicar' comes from Latin 'vicarius', meaning 'substitute', reflecting the dual nature of divine authority and earthly power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
vicarius
“A substitute or one acting in place of another, often in religious contexts.”
Old French
Old French
vicair
“A cleric acting as a deputy, borrowed from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
vicare
“A representative of a bishop, particularly in matters of church authority.”
Modern English
English
vicar
“An ecclesiastical representative, especially in the Church of England.”
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