01 n. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.
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1.
A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.“Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” — 1 Pet. ii. 25.“It is a fact now generally recognized by theologians of all shades of opinion, that in the language of the New Testament the same officer in the church is called indifferently “bishop” ( � ) and “elder” or “presbyter.”” — J. B. Lightfoot.
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2.
In the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Anglican or Protestant Episcopal churches, one ordained to the highest order of the ministry, superior to the priesthood, and generally claiming to be a successor of the Apostles. The bishop is usually the spiritual head or ruler of a diocese, bishopric, or see.
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3.
In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of the highest church officers or superintendents.
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4.
A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called archer.
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5.
A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons, and sugar.
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6.
An old name for a woman's bustle.[U. S.]“If, by her bishop, or her “grace” alone, A genuine lady, or a church, is known.” — Saxe.
Phrases & compounds
Bishop in partibus [infidelium] —
a bishop of a see which does not actually exist; one who has the office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction.
Titular bishop —
a term officially substituted in 1882 for bishop in partibus.
Bench of Bishops —
See under Bench.