vicar

A priest who leads services and cares for people in a local Anglican church.

• The vicar welcomed us to church.
• Our new vicar lives beside the village school.
• Two vicars helped lead the funeral service.

Similar words: parish priest

Common phrases: local vicar, parish vicar, the vicar's sermon

A church official who acts for a more senior religious leader.

• The bishop appointed a vicar.
• The vicar acted while the bishop was away.
• Several vicars share responsibility for the diocese.

Similar words: deputy, representative

Common phrases: vicar general, episcopal vicar, appoint a vicar

An English parish priest paid a salary rather than a share of local people's produce or income.

• The vicar received a small stipend.
• The parish paid its vicar instead of giving him tithes.
• The records list the incomes of vicars and rectors.

How to use it: vicar of a parish (He became vicar of the parish in 1820.)

Similar words: parish priest

Common phrases: parish vicar, the vicar's stipend, vicar of something

Someone who acts in another person's place or represents them.

• He acted as the king's vicar.
• The ruler sent a vicar to the distant province.
• Each vicar exercised authority on another person's behalf.

How to use it: vicar of someone (The official served as vicar of the emperor.)

Similar words: representative, deputy, proxy, agent

Common phrases: vicar of someone, act as vicar