vicar

American  

[vik-er] / ˈvɪk ər /

noun

1. Church of England.

   1. a person acting as priest of a parish in place of the rector, or as representative of a religious community to which tithes belong.

   2. the priest of a parish in which tithes were formerly transferred to a religious house, chapter, or layperson, the priest receiving only the smaller tithes or a salary.

2. Protestant Episcopal Church.

   1. a member of the clergy whose sole or chief charge is a chapel dependent on the church of a parish.

   2. a bishop's assistant in charge of a church or mission.

3. Roman Catholic Church. an ecclesiastic representing the pope or a bishop.

4. a person who acts in place of another; substitute.

5. a person who is authorized to perform the functions of another; deputy.

   God's vicar on earth.

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vicar British  

/ ˈvɪkə /

noun

1. Church of England

   1. (in Britain) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish from which, formerly, he did not receive tithes but a stipend

   2. a clergyman who acts as assistant to or substitute for the rector of a parish at Communion

   3. (in the US) a clergyman in charge of a chapel

2. RC Church a bishop or priest representing the pope or the ordinary of a diocese and exercising a limited jurisdiction

3. Also called: lay vicar.   vicar choral.  Church of England a member of a cathedral choir appointed to sing certain parts of the services

4. a person appointed to do the work of another

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Other Word Forms

• subvicar noun
• subvicarship noun
• undervicar noun
• vicarly adjective
• vicarship noun

Etymology

Origin of vicar

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French vicare, vicaire, vikere, from Old French vicaire, from Latin vicārius “a substitute, deputy,” noun use of adjective; vicarious

Explanation

A vicar is a member of the clergy who is not high-ranking but is still considered a holy representative of the church. Vicars are set slightly below the official head of a congregation or parish, sometimes acting as an agent or substitute clergyman. Originally considered an earthly go-between for man and God, the meaning of the word moved diminished as the vicar became sort of a "deputy" priest or parson. You can find a vicar in the Church of England, and also in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches. Consider that "vicarious" means something taking another's place — that's what a vicar does.

Example Sentences

“Why hit the first time? OK, why hit again?” said Father Antonius Eid-Farah, the vicar of St. George Parish and aide to Al-Rahi.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

As originally built it did not include a place of worship, but a large donation by a vicar and the agitation of some faithful fellows saw plans approved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

The Reverend Jan Smith, its vicar, said: "We were praying last night for all of the people on the train and those severely injured."

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

Reverend Jeannetta Stokes, who has been the real-life vicar at St Peter's in Worfield for 15 years, said villagers were apprehensive at first.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

"Tristran," said the vicar, "I suppose that you must have seen many strange sights upon your travels."

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• pastor