suffragan Hear it!

suffragan Definition

suf·fra·gan (suf′rə gən)

noun

  1. a bishop appointed to assist the bishop of a diocese
  2. any bishop in his capacity as a subordinate to his archbishop

Etymology: ME < MFr < ML(Ec) suffraganus < L suffragari, to vote for, support, favor < suffragium, ballot: see suffrage

adjective

  1. designating or of such a bishop
  2. subordinate to a larger see

suffragan Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • bishop: In addition the suffragan bishops elect seven of their number to the House.

Noun used with modifier

  • bishop: A bishop suffragan of Islington was appointed in 1898 and continued until 1923.