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1

suffragan

noun suf·fra·gan \ ˈsə-fri-gən , -jən \
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Definition of suffragan

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

Recent Examples of suffragan from the Web

These 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.

Origin and Etymology of suffragan

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin suffraganeus, from suffragium support, prayer

2

suffragan

adjective

Definition of suffragan

1 : of or being a suffragan
2 : subordinate to a metropolitan or archiepiscopal see

First Known Use of suffragan

15th century

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