Bishop

Bishop ({not transcribed}) , noun

[Old English bischop, biscop, bisceop, Anglo-Saxon bisceop, biscop, Latin episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, from Greek {not transcribed}, {not transcribed} over + {not transcribed} inspector, from root of {not transcribed}, {not transcribed}, to look to, perh. akin to Latin specere to look at. See Spy, and compare Episcopal.]

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” ( {not transcribed} ) and “elder” or “presbyter.” — J. B. Lightfoot

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.

Collocations (3)

Bishop in partibus [infidelium] (Roman Catholic Church) , a bishop of a see which does not actually exist; one who has the office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction. — Shipley

Titular bishop (Roman Catholic Church) , a term officially substituted in 1882 for bishop in partibus.

Bench of Bishops , See under Bench.

In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of the highest church officers or superintendents.

A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called archer.

A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons, and sugar. — Swift

An old name for a woman's bustle. [United States]

If, by her bishop, or her “grace” alone, A genuine lady, or a church, is known. — Saxe

Bishop ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb

To admit into the church by confirmation; to confirm; hence, to receive formally to favor.

Bishop ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb

[From the name of the scoundrel who first practiced it. Youatt.]

(Farriery) To make seem younger, by operating on the teeth; as, to bishop an old horse or his teeth.

The plan adopted is to cut off all the nippers with a saw to the proper length, and then with a cutting instrument the operator scoops out an oval cavity in the corner nippers, which is afterwards burnt with a hot iron until it is black. J. H. Walsh.