(a) One who stands in place of another, a representative, deputy, lieutenant; also, fig. a thing which acts on behalf of something else [2nd quot.]; a thing which resembles something else [3rd quot.]; ~ general, a chief representative or deputy; (b) one to whom apostolic power or authority has been delegated; one designated as the earthly representative of God or Christ, as the Pope, a cleric; also, fig. the earthly embodiment (of the Godhead, Christ’s manhood); an inanimate or abstract deputy or agent of God; ~ general, a chief deputy, agent, or representative of God; also, in phrases used as papal titles: ~ of crist (peter), cristes (goddes) ~.

Eccl. (a) One appointed to act as priest in a parish in place of the real parson, a parish vicar; ~ perpetuelle, perpetuelle ~, a parish vicar appointed permanently to his position; prudence of vicars, a group of vicars; (b) an official of a cathedral or collegiate church; specif., one charged with the singing of a portion of the services, a choral vicar; (c) one who takes the place of, or acts as a representative of, a prelate; ~ general, general ~, the chief deputy or representative of a bishop or an abbot.

In surnames; also in street name [quot. 1393].