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 Patrick Finn of Maine, the parochial vicar at Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, Lisbon Falls and Sabbatus, Maine. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 Now contact your local vicar and request the personal telephone numbers of as many bakers, butchers, and bumbling policemen as the vicar can provide. Simon Webster, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2023 This eclectic group, whom Ogilvie portrays with humor and affection, included vicars, murderers, Karl Marx’s daughter, and members of Virginia Woolf’s father’s walking club. The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Lord of Misrule chronicles a vicar named Rebecca Holland (Tuppence Middleton), whose daughter (Evie Templeton) goes missing during her quaint English village’s harvest festival. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2023 The vicar says the couple's generosity is a sign of their commitment. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 8 June 2023 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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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