Vicar vs. Vicarious — What's the Difference?

A vicar (; Latin: vicarius) is a representative, deputy or substitute; anyone acting "in the person of" or agent for a superior (compare "vicarious" in the sense of "at second hand"). Linguistically, vicar is cognate with the English prefix "vice", similarly meaning "deputy".

Experienced or felt by empathy with or imaginary participation in the life of another person

(in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layperson.

Endured or done by one person substituting for another

An Anglican parish priest in a parish where historically someone other than the priest was entitled to the tithes.

Committed or entrusted to another, as powers or authority; delegated.

A cleric in charge of a chapel in the Episcopal Church of the United States.

(Physiology) Occurring in or performed by a part of the body not normally associated with a certain function.

An Anglican or Roman Catholic cleric who acts for or represents another, often higher-ranking member of the clergy.

Delegated.

In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.

Experienced or gained by taking in another person’s experience, rather than through first-hand experience, such as through watching or reading.

In the Roman Catholic and some other churches, a cleric acting as local representative of a higher ranking member of the clergy.

On behalf of others.

A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.

Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.

One deputed or authorized to perform the functions of another; a substitute in office; a deputy.

Acting or suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer.

The incumbent of an appropriated benefice.

Performed ,experienced, or suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment; vicarious pleasure.

A Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

Acting as a substitute; - said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation.

(Episcopal Church) a clergyman in charge of a chapel

Experienced at secondhand;

(Church of England) a clergyman appointed to act as priest of a parish

Occurring in an abnormal part of the body instead of the usual site involved in that function;

Suffered or done by one person as a substitute for another;