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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of
the highest church officers or superintendents.
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4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a
representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called
archer.
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5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons,
and sugar. --Swift.
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6. An old name for a woman's bustle. [U. S.]
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If, by her bishop, or her "grace" alone,
A genuine lady, or a church, is known. --Saxe.
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