ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vicar

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈvɪkɝ// UK //vˈɪkɐ// vicar

n. a priest or minister in certain Christian churches, especially the Church of England. They are usually in charge of a local church and its community.

n. a member of the clergy in the Church of England or the Episcopal Church who has charge of a parish. Historically distinguished from a rector by the specific source of their tithes or income.


SIMPLE

The vicar greeted everyone at the church door on Sunday morning.

CONTEXTUAL

After the service, the vicar visited several elderly residents in the village to offer support.

COMPLEX

The local vicar played a central role in the community, often acting as a mediator during disputes between different factions of the parish council.

Origin

From Middle English vicar, viker, vikyr, vicaire, vicare, a borrowing from Anglo-Norman vikare, vicare, vikaire, vikere and Old French vicaire (“deputy, second in command”), from Latin vicārius (“vicarious, substitute”).

Usage

Commonly used as a title before a surname, though 'the Reverend' is the formal written style.

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