vicar-general

noun

vic·​ar-gen·​er·​al ˈvi-kər-ˈjen-rəl How to pronounce vicar-general (audio)
-ˈje-nə-
plural vicars-general
: an administrative deputy of a Roman Catholic or Anglican bishop or of the head of a religious order

Examples of vicar-general in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After returning to Chicago, Hicks served as Cardinal Cupich’s vicar-general, or deputy, then as a bishop, and was known for unshowy efficiency. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vicar-general was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Vicar-general.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicar-general. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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