Bishop

Bish·op

Bishop

n.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Bishop

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Bishoped; p. pr. & vb. n. Bishoping

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

Bishop

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Bishoped; p. pr. & vb. n. Bishoping

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