- Bench of Bishops
- Bishop Bish"op, n. [OE. bischop, biscop, bisceop, AS. bisceop,
biscop, L. episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, fr.
Gr. ?, ? over + ? inspector, fr. root of ?, ?, to look to,
perh. akin to L. specere to look at. See {Spy}, and cf.
{Episcopal}.]
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1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.
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Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. --1 Pet. ii. 25. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
{Bishop in partibus [infidelium]} (R. C. Ch.), a bishop of a see which does not actually exist; one who has the office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction. --Shipley.
{Titular bishop} (R. C. Ch.), a term officially substituted in 1882 for bishop in partibus.
{Bench of Bishops}. See under {Bench}. [1913 Webster]
3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of the highest church officers or superintendents. [1913 Webster]
4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called archer. [1913 Webster]
5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons, and sugar. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
6. An old name for a woman's bustle. [U. S.] [1913 Webster]
If, by her bishop, or her ``grace'' alone, A genuine lady, or a church, is known. --Saxe. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.