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).
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”.
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.
Vicar (noun)
In the Church of England, the priest of a parish, receiving a salary or stipend but not tithes.
Vicar (noun)
In the Roman Catholic and some other churches, a cleric acting as local representative of a higher ranking member of the clergy.
Vicar (noun)
A person acting on behalf of, or representing, another person.
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.”
Priest (noun)
a blunt tool, used for quickly stunning and killing fish
Priest (noun)
the highest office in the Aaronic priesthood
Priest (verb)
To ordain as a priest.
Vicar (noun)
(in the Church of England) an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layperson.
Vicar (noun)
(in other Anglican Churches) a member of the clergy deputizing for another.
Vicar (noun)
(in the Roman Catholic Church) a representative or deputy of a bishop.
Vicar (noun)
(in the US Episcopal Church) a member of the clergy in charge of a chapel.
Vicar (noun)
a cleric or choir member appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service.
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”
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”
Priest (noun)
a mallet used to kill fish caught when angling.
Priest (verb)
ordain to the priesthood
“he was made deacon in 1990 and priested in 1994”