Definition of vicar
1 : an ecclesiastical agent: such asa : a Church of England incumbent receiving a stipend but not the tithes of a parishb : a member of the Episcopal clergy or laity who has charge of a mission or chapelc : 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
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Recent Examples of vicar from the Web
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More than 10,000 panes of the cathedral’s mirrored glass already have been re-caulked and resurfaced, under budget and on schedule, Rev. Christopher Smith, rector and episcopal vicar, told guests at the signing ceremony.
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The family invites Mr. Travis, the vicar, over for dinner, presumably hoping Tom will change his mind about that whole Catholic thing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vicar'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of vicar
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vicarius, from vicarius vicarious
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Government and Politics Terms
VICAR Defined for English Language Learners
vicar
playDefinition of vicar for English Language Learners
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: a priest in the Church of England who is in charge of a particular church and the area around it
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: a pastor's assistant in an Episcopalian or Lutheran church
VICAR Defined for Kids
vicar
playDefinition of vicar for Students
: a minister in charge of a church who serves under the authority of another minister
Learn More about vicar
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See words that rhyme with vicar Spanish Central: Translation of vicar Nglish: Translation of vicar for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vicar
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