diocesan

[ dahy-os-uh-suhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a diocese.

noun

1. one of the clergy or people of a diocese.
2. the bishop in charge of a diocese.

diocesan

/ daɪˈɒsɪsən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a diocese

noun

1. the bishop of a diocese

Other Words From

• nondi·oce·san adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diocesan¹

1400–50; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Medieval Latin dioecēsānus. See diocese, -an

Example Sentences

In legal documents, diocesan and police records over the last few decades, more than 300 priests who worked in the archdiocese in Los Angeles have been accused of sexually abusing minors.

From Los Angeles Times

“Priests can have a risk assessment which can indicate a level of risk” and “the powers of a diocesan bishop are limited,” says the bishop.

From BBC

Diocesan clergy did not respond to requests for interviews.

From Seattle Times

It also said: “Rosenberg was not accused of stealing money from any diocesan entities nor did his crimes relate to any official role held within the diocese.”

From Seattle Times

In addition to many diocesan assets, the government confiscated the prestigious University of Central America, whose Jesuit leaders had opened the doors to student protestors fleeing police and paramilitary attacks.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• administrator
• cleric
• director
• patriarch
• pontiff
• pope
• prelate
• priest