vicar

noun

vic·​ar ˈvi-kər How to pronounce vicar (audio)
1
: an ecclesiastical agent: such as
a
: a Church of England incumbent receiving a stipend but not the tithes of a parish
b
: a member of the Episcopal clergy or laity who has charge of a mission or chapel
c
: a member of the clergy who exercises a broad pastoral responsibility as the representative of a prelate
2
: one serving as a substitute or agent
specifically : an administrative deputy
vicarship noun

Examples of vicar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The stories never connect, reflecting the divide between the liberal, literary son, who immigrated to Seattle in 1990, and the conservative father, who became a vicar in the Church of England. By Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023 Sessions will become parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Huntsville on July 5. Greg Garrison | , al, 3 July 2023 In your view as vicar for urban ministry, what is the most pressing challenge facing Milwaukee residents today? Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2023 Gwendoline Christie Breaks Down Her Most Iconic Looks Yet Equally important as the vicar—and possibly even more important, for a couple so invested in the world of fashion—were the looks. Liam Hess, Vogue, 17 July 2023 Today, Masterpiece shared the news that Tom Brittney, who has played the lead role as the show's crime-solving vicar Will Davenport since 2019, will be exiting the show after season 9 to pursue other projects. Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 12 July 2023 One such attendee will include Reverend Matthew Price, who has been vicar of Gorleston's Mary Magdalene church since 2018. Karli Bendlin, Peoplemag, 28 Apr. 2023 The coronation invites are out — and one local vicar couldn't be happier. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2023 Jonathan Wallis, the diocese’s vicar general, said Gerlach discussed the issue with him on three occasions, including at Christmas Eve Mass in 2022. Sarah Bahari, Dallas News, 27 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vicar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vicarius, from vicarius vicarious

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of vicar was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vicar

Cite this Entry

“Vicar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicar. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

vicar

noun
vic·​ar ˈvik-ər How to pronounce vicar (audio)
1
: a minister in charge of a church who serves under the authority of another minister
2
: a church official who takes the place of or represents a higher official

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