vicar

Where does the word "vicar" come from? It comes from Latin vicarius, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Vicar’s story begins in Latin: vicarius meant “substitute.” From 'vicis', change or turn, the root of 'vice-' and 'vicarious'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vicaire. A priest standing in for a rector or monastery. It reached English by 1300s as vicar. The Pope's title 'Vicar of Christ' keeps the deputy sense. Today, vicar means a priest in charge of a Church of England parish.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vicarius "substitute", from 'vicis', change or turn, the root of 'vice-' and 'vicarious'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval vicaire "deputy", a priest standing in for a rector or monastery.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s vicar "parish priest", the Pope's title 'Vicar of Christ' keeps the deputy sense.