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

She made history by becoming the first female diocesan bishop and the first female bishop in the House of Lords.

From BBC

“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

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

A diocesan spokesperson said the crimes showed "serious unacceptable behaviour for any priest" and that safeguarding processes had improved significantly.

From BBC

Related Words

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