vicar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in the Church of England, a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish

   The local church has a new vicar.

2. 2
   noun

   In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.

   Near-synonyms: priest, rector, curate.

3. 3
   noun

   A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.

   Near-synonyms: proxy, representative, agent.

4. 4
   noun

   a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From Middle English vicar, viker, vikyr, vicaire, vicare, a borrowing from Anglo-Norman vikare, vicare, vikaire, vikere and Old French vicaire (“deputy, second in command”), from Latin vicārius (“vicarious, substitute”). Doublet of vicarious.

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