titular bishop

Titular \Tit"u*lar\, a. [F. titulaire, fr. L. titulus. See
   {Title}.]
   Existing in title or name only; nominal; having the title to
   an office or dignity without discharging its appropriate
   duties; as, a titular prince.
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         If these magnificent titles yet remain
         Not merely titular.                      --Milton.
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   {Titular bishop}. See under {Bishop}.
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Bishop \Bish"op\, n. [OE. bischop, biscop, bisceop, AS. bisceop,
   biscop, L. episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, fr.
   Gr. ?, ? over + ? inspector, fr. root of ?, ?, to look to,
   perh. akin to L. specere to look at. See {Spy}, and cf.
   {Episcopal}.]
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   1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.
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            Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned
            unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. --1 Pet.
                                                  ii. 25.
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            It is a fact now generally recognized by theologians
            of all shades of opinion, that in the language of
            the New Testament the same officer in the church is
            called indifferently "bishop" ( ? ) and "elder" or
            "presbyter."                          --J. B.
                                                  Lightfoot.
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   2. In the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Anglican or Protestant
      Episcopal churches, one ordained to the highest order of
      the ministry, superior to the priesthood, and generally
      claiming to be a successor of the Apostles. The bishop is
      usually the spiritual head or ruler of a diocese,
      bishopric, or see.
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   {Bishop in partibus [infidelium]} (R. C. Ch.), a bishop of a
      see which does not actually exist; one who has the office
      of bishop, without especial jurisdiction. --Shipley.

   {Titular bishop} (R. C. Ch.), a term officially substituted
      in 1882 for bishop in partibus.

   {Bench of Bishops}. See under {Bench}.
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   3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of
      the highest church officers or superintendents.
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   4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a
      representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called
      archer.
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   5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons,
      and sugar. --Swift.
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   6. An old name for a woman's bustle. [U. S.]
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            If, by her bishop, or her "grace" alone,
            A genuine lady, or a church, is known. --Saxe.
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