What does vicarage mean?
A vicarage is the official residence of a vicar, a clergyman serving an Anglican or Episcopal parish. The word can also refer to the benefice or position that a vicar holds, including its income and responsibilities. In everyday British usage, “at the vicarage” usually means at the vicar's house, though the word also appears in statements about who holds a particular parish living. It is especially associated with traditional Anglican communities and carries a formal, institutional tone. The term is sometimes confused with “vicariate,” but the two words refer to different things: a vicarage is a residence or living, while a vicariate is an administrative jurisdiction. Because it records both the practical house and the ecclesiastical office attached to a clergyman, “vicarage” remains a distinctive piece of religious and social vocabulary.
nounThe official residence of a vicar, especially in an Anglican or Episcopal church. By extension, it can mean the living, benefice, or position associated with a vicar.
- The house or residence in which a vicar lives.
- The living, benefice, or position of a vicar.
"The bishop visited the vicarage on Friday afternoon."
"They moved into the vicarage when the new incumbent was appointed."
"The rural parish offered him a modest vicarage with a small congregation."
The regular plural is “vicarages,” used when referring to multiple clerical residences or benefits.
"The two vicarages lie several miles apart."
The word that names a vicar's address can also mean the office and income that come with it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vicarage come from?
Vicarage entered English through Medieval Latin vicariatus, a term associated with a vicar's office or jurisdiction and ultimately derived from Latin vicarius. The modern sense for a vicar's residence developed from the older institutional sense of the position itself. Its relatives include vicar, vicariate, vicarious, and viceroy, all reflecting the Latin root vicarius.
Related word forms
How vicarage is actually used
The term is chiefly associated with Anglican and Episcopal churches and has a traditional, somewhat formal character. In modern usage, it most often denotes the residence, while the older sense referring to the benefice or office may appear in historical and ecclesiastical contexts.
Easily confused with vicarage
A vicarage is a vicar's residence or living, whereas a vicariate is the jurisdiction or district administered by a vicar.