from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vicar \Vic"ar\ (v[i^]k"[~e]r), 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.]
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2. (Eng. Eccl. Law) The incumbent of an appropriated
benefice.
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Note: 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.
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{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.
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