Bishop (&unr_;), 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.]
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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” ( &unr_; ) 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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Bishop (&unr_;), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bishoped (&unr_;); 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.
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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.
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