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.