The distinction between a parson [or rector] and vicar is this: The
parson has, for the most part, the whole right to the ecclesiastical
dues in his parish; but a vicar has generally an appropriator over him,
entitled to the best part of the profits, to whom he is in fact
perpetual curate with a standing salary. Burrill.
Apostolic vicar, or Vicar apostolic. (R. C. Ch.) (a) A bishop to whom
the Roman pontiff delegates a portion of his jurisdiction. (b) Any
ecclesiastic acting under a papal brief, commissioned to exercise
episcopal authority. (c) A titular bishop in a country where there is
no episcopal see, or where the succession has been interrupted. — Vicar
forane. [Cf. LL. foraneus situated outside of the episcopal city,
rural. See Vicar, and Foreign.] (R. C. Ch.) A dignitary or parish
priest appointed by a bishop to exercise a limited jurisdiction in a
particular town or district of a diocese. Addis & Arnold. —
Vicar-general. (a) (Ch. of Eng.) The deputy of the Archbishop of
Canterbury or York, in whose court the bishops of the province are
confirmed. Encyc. Brit. (b) (R. C. Ch.) An assistant to a bishop in the
discharge of his official functions. — Vicar of Jesus Christ (R. C.
Ch.), the pope as representing Christ on earth.
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Vic"ar*age (?; 48), n. 1. The benefice of a vicar.