n. [ OE. bischop, biscop, bisceop, AS. bisceop, biscop, L. episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, fr. Gr. &unr_;, &unr_; over + &unr_; inspector, fr. root of &unr_;, &unr_;, to look to, perh. akin to L. specere to look at. See Spy, and cf. Episcopal. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Pet. ii. 25. [ 1913 Webster ]

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” ( &unr_; ) and “elder” or “presbyter.” J. B. Lightfoot. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of the highest church officers or superintendents. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called archer. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons, and sugar. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. An old name for a woman's bustle. [ U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If, by her bishop, or her “grace” alone,
A genuine lady, or a church, is known. Saxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Bishoped p. pr. & vb. n. Bishoping. ] [ From the name of the scoundrel who first practiced it. Youatt. ] (Far.) To make seem younger, by operating on the teeth; as, to bishop an old horse or his teeth. [ 1913 Webster ]

The plan adopted is to cut off all the nippers with a saw to the proper length, and then with a cutting instrument the operator scoops out an oval cavity in the corner nippers, which is afterwards burnt with a hot iron until it is black. J. H. Walsh. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Bishoped p. pr. & vb. n. Bishoping. ] To admit into the church by confirmation; to confirm; hence, to receive formally to favor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Jurisdiction of a bishop; episcopate. “Divine right of bishopdom.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Resembling a bishop; belonging to a bishop. Fulke. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In the manner of a bishop. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Bishoplike; episcopal. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ AS. bisceoprīce; bisceop bishop + rīce dominion. See -ric. ] 1. A diocese; the district over which the jurisdiction of a bishop extends. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The office of a spiritual overseer, as of an apostle, bishop, or presbyter. Acts i. 20. [ 1913 Webster ]

(Bot.) A plant of the genus Mitella; miterwort. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]

A wide sleeve, once worn by women. [ 1913 Webster ]