Main Difference
The main difference between Vicar and Priest is that the Vicar is a type of priest and Priest is a person authorized to lead the sacred rituals of a religion (for a minister use Q1423891).
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Vicar
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”. The title appears in a number of Christian ecclesiastical contexts, but also as an administrative title, or title modifier, in the Roman Empire. In addition, in the Holy Roman Empire a local representative of the emperor, perhaps an archduke, might be styled “vicar”.
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Priest
A priest or priestess (feminine) is a religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and one or more deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities. Their office or position is the priesthood, a term which also may apply to such persons collectively.
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Vicar (noun)
In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.
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Vicar (noun)
In the Roman Catholic and some other churches, a cleric acting as local representative of a higher ranking member of the clergy.
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Vicar (noun)
A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.
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Priest (noun)
a religious clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple
“The priest at the Catholic church heard his confession.”
“The Shinto priest burnt incense for his ancestors.”
“The Israelite priests were descended from Moses’ brother Aaron.”
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Priest (noun)
a blunt tool, used for quickly stunning and killing fish
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Priest (noun)
the highest office in the Aaronic priesthood
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Priest (verb)
To ordain as a priest.
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Vicar (noun)
(in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layperson.
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Vicar (noun)
(in other Anglican Churches) a member of the clergy deputizing for another.
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Vicar (noun)
(in the Roman Catholic Church) a representative or deputy of a bishop.
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Vicar (noun)
(in the US Episcopal Church) a member of the clergy in charge of a chapel.
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Vicar (noun)
a cleric or choir member appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service.
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Priest (noun)
an ordained minister of the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican Church, authorized to perform certain rites and administer certain sacraments
“the priest celebrated mass at a small altar off the north transept”
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Priest (noun)
a person who performs religious ceremonies and duties in a non-Christian religion
“the plays were performed within the sacred area of Dionysus, in the presence of his priest”
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Priest (noun)
a mallet used to kill fish caught when angling.
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Priest (verb)
ordain to the priesthood
“he was made deacon in 1990 and priested in 1994”