What does vicarate mean?
A vicarate is an ecclesiastical jurisdiction, particularly a territory governed by a vicar apostolic within the Roman Catholic Church. Such territories can serve communities that are geographically dispersed, are subject to distinctive historical circumstances, or require specialized pastoral arrangements. The word can also refer more locally to the jurisdiction of a vicar in an Anglican parish. Although “vicarate” is related to “vicar,” it is not simply a synonym for the clergyman’s office: it emphasizes the territory or jurisdiction attached to that office. In contemporary usage, the expression “apostolic vicarate” is especially prominent. In everyday discussion of Anglican parishes, “vicarage” is generally more common, while “vicarate” remains useful when distinguishing a vicar’s area of responsibility from the residence, building, or benefits traditionally associated with the position.
nounAn ecclesiastical territory under the jurisdiction of a vicar, especially a Roman Catholic apostolic vicarate headed by a vicar apostolic. In Anglican usage, it can also mean the jurisdiction or parish of a vicar.
- An ecclesiastical territory under the authority of a vicar apostolic, especially within the Roman Catholic Church.
- The jurisdiction, office, or parish of a vicar, especially in Anglican usage.
"The vicarate was established to serve a scattered Catholic community in the region."
"The apostolic vicarate issued guidance to the Catholic communities under its care."
"The old vicarate included several villages along the river."
The regular plural of the noun, used when referring to more than one ecclesiastical jurisdiction of this kind.
"The conference oversees several vicarates across the country."
A vicarate names both a distant ecclesiastical territory and the local jurisdiction of an ordinary parish vicar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vicarate
The word comes from Latin vicariatus, meaning the office or jurisdiction of a vicar, and ultimately from vicarius, a substituted official or deputy. English borrowed the term in the early modern period for the jurisdiction of a vicar, particularly in Anglican church administration. It later became especially important in Roman Catholic usage, where an apostolic vicarate is a territory entrusted to a vicar apostolic.
Related word forms
How vicarate is actually used
The term is formal and comparatively uncommon in everyday English. It is especially associated with Roman Catholic and Anglican ecclesiastical organization; for an Anglican parish, “vicarage” is often more familiar.