\Vic"ar\, n. [OE. vicar, viker, vicair, F. vicaire, fr. L.
vicarius. See {Vicarious}.]
1. One deputed or authorized to perform the functions of
   another; a substitute in office; a deputy. [R.]
2. (Eng. Eccl. Law) The incumbent of an appropriated
   benefice.
Note: The distinction between a parson [or rector] and vicar
      is this: The parson has, for the most part, the whole
      right to the ecclesiastical dues in his parish; but a
      vicar has generally an appropriator over him, entitled
      to the best part of the profits, to whom he is in fact
      perpetual curate with a standing salary. --Burrill.
{Apostolic vicar}, or {Vicar apostolic}. (R. C. Ch.)
   (a) A bishop to whom the Roman pontiff delegates a portion
       of his jurisdiction.
   (b) Any ecclesiastic acting under a papal brief,
       commissioned to exercise episcopal authority.
   (c) A titular bishop in a country where there is no
       episcopal see, or where the succession has been
       interrupted.
{Vicar forane}. [Cf. LL. foraneus situated outside of the
   episcopal city, rural. See {Vicar}, and {Foreign}.] (R. C.
   Ch.) A dignitary or parish priest appointed by a bishop to
   exercise a limited jurisdiction in a particular town or
   district of a diocese. --Addis & Arnold.
{Vicar-general}.
   (a) (Ch. of Eng.) The deputy of the Archbishop of
       Canterbury or York, in whose court the bishops of the
       province are confirmed. --Encyc. Brit.
   (b) (R. C. Ch.) An assistant to a bishop in the discharge
       of his official functions.
{Vicar of Jesus Christ} (R. C. Ch.), the pope as representing
   Christ on earth.