vicar general
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical
Definition
Meaning
A high-ranking priest appointed by a bishop or archbishop to act on his behalf with jurisdiction over a diocese.
An ecclesiastical title for a senior administrator in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, often exercising delegated authority, particularly in judicial or administrative matters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always a specific title for a person with a defined legal or canonical role; not a general descriptor of vicars.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, the term is primarily used in Roman Catholic contexts. In British English, it also appears in Anglican Church contexts.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation, strictly ecclesiastical.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger Roman Catholic population; in the UK, it appears in both Anglican and Catholic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
(The) vicar general + verb (acted, announced, presided)Appointed as vicar generalVicar general + preposition (of, for)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and canon law studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside religious contexts.
Technical
Specific term in canon law and church governance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bishop will vicar-general the diocese during the vacancy. (Note: 'vicar general' is not used as a verb; this is a constructed example for the model)
American English
- (Not applicable; the term is exclusively a noun)
adjective
British English
- The vicar-general's office issued a decree.
American English
- The vicar general's responsibilities are extensive.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We met the vicar general at the church.
- The bishop appointed a new vicar general to help manage the diocese.
- The vicar general has the authority to grant certain dispensations on behalf of the bishop.
- As vicar general, his signature on the decree carried the full force of episcopal jurisdiction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A vicar general is a 'general' or overall vicar for the bishop.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHURCH IS AN ARMY/ADMINISTRATION (The vicar general is like a general in the church's hierarchy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'генеральный викарий' (literal but unnatural) or 'епископальный администратор'. The established Russian term is 'генеральный викарий' in Catholic contexts, but its usage is strictly technical.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase ('vicar general' should be capitalized when referring to a specific title).
- Confusing it with a 'vicar' (a parish priest).
- Using it as a plural ('vicars general' is correct).
Practice
Quiz
Who typically appoints a vicar general?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A vicar is typically a priest in charge of a parish. A vicar general is a high-ranking official, often a priest, appointed by a bishop to act with his authority over an entire diocese.
No, it is used in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion (and some other Episcopal churches), though its specific powers may differ.
The correct plural is 'vicars general', following the pattern of nouns followed by postpositive adjectives (like 'attorneys general').
No. A vicar general exercises power only by delegation from the bishop. The bishop retains ultimate authority and can overrule or dismiss the vicar general.