noun
vicar
VIK-er/ˈvɪkər/
A priest responsible for a local church community.
The vicar welcomes new families to the church each Sunday.
Etymology
A vicarius was someone acting in another's place. The church title originally designated a priest appointed to serve a parish in place of its parson.
In context
the vicar of Brandistown in Suffolk, becomes a witchcraft suspect. He's a Church of England clergyman.
More examples
- Our vicar visits parish members in the hospital.
- They ask the vicar to perform their wedding ceremony.
- Two local vicars organize a joint Christmas service.
Forms
vicar · vicars
vicarage noun — A house provided for a vicar.