noun
archbishop
arch-BISH-up/ˌɑːrtʃˈbɪʃəp/
A high-ranking bishop who oversees a church province.
The archbishop presides over a meeting with other bishops.
Etymology
The pieces give “chief overseer.” Episkopos became a title for a church leader, and the added “chief” marks an archbishop's higher rank and authority over other bishops.
In context
The cardinal archbishop of Lisbon had conducted a [music] solemn benediction over the assembled fleet and its commander, the reluctant Duke of Medina Sidonia
More examples
- An archbishop presided over the ceremony.
- The new archbishop visited each diocese.
- She interviewed the archbishop about the church's plans.
Forms
archbishop · archbishops