\Vi*ca"ri*ous\, a. [L. vicarius, from vicis change,
alternation, turn, the position, place, or office of one
person as assumed by another; akin to Gr. ? to yield, give
way, G. wechsel a change, and probably also to E. weak. See
{Weak}, and cf. {Vice}, prep.]
1. Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy;
   deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.
2. Acting of suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or
   officer.
         The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient,
         and vicarious . . . in the hands of the Almighty.
                                               --Sir M. Hale.
3. Performed of suffered in the place of another;
   substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious
   punishment.
         The vicarious work of the Great Deliverer. --I.
                                               Taylor.
4. (Med.) Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action
   which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious
   hemorrhage replacing menstruation.