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.
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.
{Bishop in partibus} [{infidelium}] (R. C. Ch.), a bishop of
a see which does not actually exist; one who has the
office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction.
--Shipley.
{Titular bishop} (R. C. Ch.), a term officially substituted
in 1882 for bishop in partibus.
{Bench of Bishops}. See under {Bench}.
3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of
the highest church officers or superintendents.
4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a
representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called
archer.
5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons,
and sugar. --Swift.
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.