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DictionaryRoot: skopos
Greek

skopos

watcher or observer

Forms

  • skopos
  • scop- — A Latin-style spelling.
  • scope — An English development in instrument names.

Origin

Related to Greek skopein, “look or examine.”

Note

The watching family also developed words for an aim or object of attention.

3 / 5
Church governance scene with bishop presiding over seated clergy.
adjective

episcopal

ih-PIS-kuh-pul/ɪˈpɪskəpl/

Relating to bishops or a church governed by bishops.

Etymology
epiGreekon, upon; over
+scopGreekwatcher or observer
+alLatinof, relating to

An 'over-watcher' was an overseer, a title adopted for spiritual supervision. Episcopal therefore describes bishops as church overseers, or a church organized under their authority.

Full entry

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