vicar-general

vicar-general Definition

vicar-general (vik′ər jen′ər əl)

noun pl. vic′ars-gen′eral

an administrative deputy, as of a bishop or of the general superior of a religious order, society, etc.
in English history, the title given to Thomas Cromwell as vicegerent of Henry VIII

Etymology: ME vicare generale < ML vicarius generalis: see vicar & general

vicar-general Usage Examples

Converse of object

appoint: Thomas Cromwell, a layman, was appointed vicar-general to rule the English Church in the King's name.

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