n. [ OE. vicar, viker, vicair, F. vicaire, fr. L. vicarius. See Vicarious. ] 1. One deputed or authorized to perform the functions of another; a substitute in office; a deputy. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eng. Eccl. Law) The incumbent of an appropriated benefice. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The distinction between a parson [ or rector ] and vicar is this: The parson has, for the most part, the whole right to the ecclesiastical dues in his parish; but a vicar has generally an appropriator over him, entitled to the best part of the profits, to whom he is in fact perpetual curate with a standing salary. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

Apostolic vicar, or
Vicar apostolic. (R. C. Ch.) (a) A bishop to whom the Roman pontiff delegates a portion of his jurisdiction. (b) Any ecclesiastic acting under a papal brief, commissioned to exercise episcopal authority. (c) A titular bishop in a country where there is no episcopal see, or where the succession has been interrupted. --
Vicar forane. [ Cf. LL. foraneus situated outside of the episcopal city, rural. See Vicar, and Foreign. ] (R. C. Ch.) A dignitary or parish priest appointed by a bishop to exercise a limited jurisdiction in a particular town or district of a diocese. Addis & Arnold. --
Vicar-general. (a) (Ch. of Eng.) The deputy of the Archbishop of Canterbury or York, in whose court the bishops of the province are confirmed. Encyc. Brit. (b) (R. C. Ch.) An assistant to a bishop in the discharge of his official functions. --
Vicar of Jesus Christ (R. C. Ch.), the pope as representing Christ on earth. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The benefice of a vicar. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The house or residence of a vicar. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. vicarial. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a vicar; as, vicarial tithes. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Delegated; vicarious; as, vicarial power. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A vicar. [ Obs. ] Marston. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having delegated power, as a vicar; vicarious. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. vicariatus, or F. vicariat. ] Delegated office or power; vicarship; the office or oversight of a vicar. [ 1913 Webster ]

The vicariate of that part of Germany which is governed by the Saxon laws devolved on the elector of Saxony. Robertson. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, turn, the position, place, or office of one person as assumed by another; akin to Gr. e'i`kein to yield, give way, G. wechsel a change, and probably also to E. weak. See Weak, and cf. Vice, prep. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Acting or suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer. [ 1913 Webster ]

The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient, and vicarious . . . in the hands of the Almighty. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Performed , experienced, or suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment; vicarious pleasure. [ 1913 Webster + PJC ]

The vicarious work of the Great Deliverer. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Med.) Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a vicarious manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The office or dignity of a vicar. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. vicarius. ] A vicar. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]