Definition of "vicarial" []

• Of or relating to a vicar. (adjective)
• Acting as or having the position of a vicar. (adjective)
• Serving in the place of someone or something else. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "While bishops do enjoy an autonomous and not merely vicarial authority coming directly from the Apostles, it can only be excercised together with the primatial papal authority from St. Peter."
• "But our Government is altogether conducted on the footing of vicarial responsibility."
• "It has occurred to me when, weary and vexed, I have myself gone to bed like a heathen, that another had asked forgiveness for my day, and safety for my night I don't suppose such vicarial piety will avail much, but the petitions come out of a sincere breast from innocent lips."