Bishop

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}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director. [1913 Webster]

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]