Main Entry: di·o·cese

Pronunciation: \ˈdī-ə-səs, -ˌsēs, -ˌsēz\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural di·o·ces·es \ˈdī-ə-sə-səz, -ˌsē-zəz, ÷ˈdī-ə-ˌsēz\

Etymology: Middle English diocise, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin diocesis, alteration of dioecesis, from Latin, administrative division, from Greek dioikēsis administration, administrative division, from dioikein to keep house, govern, from dia- + oikein to dwell, manage, from oikos house — more at vicinity

Date: 14th century

: the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop

— di·oc·e·san \dī-ˈä-sə-sən also ˈdī-ə-ˌsē-s^ən\ adjective