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suf·fra·gan | \ ˈsə-fri-gən 
, -jən \
, -jən \Definition of suffragan
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a diocesan bishop (as in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England) subordinate to a metropolitan
2 : an Anglican or Episcopal bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and not having the right of succession
suffragan
adjectiveDefinition of suffragan (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : of or being a suffragan
2 : subordinate to a metropolitan or archiepiscopal see
Examples of suffragan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Earlier this year, her work earned her an appointment as a suffragan bishop.
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Talis Shelbourne, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Suffragan bishop follows in father's footsteps, breaks barriers as she leads Mt. Zion," 20 Dec. 2019 Sloan was ordained as a suffragan, or assistant, bishop in 2008 for the diocese.
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Greg Garrison | Ggarrison@al.com, al, "Three bishop candidates – 2 women – make list for Episcopal Church," 2 Dec. 2019 The Rev. Barbara Harris The Rev. Barbara Harris, a retired bishop suffragan from Massachusetts, gave a rousing sermon.
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Dan Kane And Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "Episcopal Church in central NC gets new bishop," 15 July 2017 The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland had elevated Cook to the position of bishop suffragan in May of 2014.
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Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, "Parole hearing for former Bishop Heather Cook set for this morning," 9 May 2017 The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland had elevated Cook to the position of bishop suffragan in May 2014.
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Jonathan M. Pitts, Washington Post, "Early parole rejected for Md. woman who pleaded guilty in drunk-driving case," 9 May 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective As a suffragan bishop, Monica Parchia Price represents the entire state of Wisconsin.
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Talis Shelbourne, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Suffragan bishop follows in father's footsteps, breaks barriers as she leads Mt. Zion," 20 Dec. 2019 He was consecrated as a bishop in 1962 and was named suffragan bishop, or assistant bishop, of the Chicago Episcopal diocese.
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Bob Goldsborough, chicagotribune.com, "Episcopal Church Bishop James Montgomery, who steered church through change, dies," 25 Oct. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suffragan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for suffragan
The first known use of suffragan was in the 14th century
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