vicar general
/ˈvɪkər ˈdʒɛnərəl/
noun
- A senior official in a diocese who assists the bishop in administrative and judicial matters.
- She was appointed vicar-general, making her the second-highest authority in the diocese.
- The vicar-general handled the paperwork for new church appointments.
- When the bishop was away, the vicar-general took charge of diocesan affairs.
Synonyms