vicar

/ˈvɪkər/

/ˈvɪkə/

Other forms: vicars

A vicar is a member of the clergy who is not high-ranking but is still considered a holy representative of the church.

Vicars are set slightly below the official head of a congregation or parish, sometimes acting as an agent or substitute clergyman. Originally considered an earthly go-between for man and God, the meaning of the word moved diminished as the vicar became sort of a "deputy" priest or parson. You can find a vicar in the Church of England, and also in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches. Consider that "vicarious" means something taking another's place — that's what a vicar does.

Definitions of vicar

1. noun

   a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman
   type of:

   priest

   a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
2. noun

   (Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish
   type of:

   clergyman, man of the cloth, reverend

   a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of a Christian church
3. noun

   (Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel
   type of:

   clergyman, man of the cloth, reverend

   a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of a Christian church