Chorepiscopal

/ˌkɔːriɪˈpɪskəpəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a chorepiscopus, an assistant or subordinate bishop in the early Christian church.

Etymology

From Late Latin 'chorepiscopus,' combining Greek 'choreia' (in the sense of 'district' or 'region') and 'episcopus' (bishop). These were bishops who oversaw rural areas on behalf of the main bishop.

Kelly Says

The prefix 'chore-' here doesn't mean 'chore' as in a task—it comes from an old use of 'choreia' meaning 'territory,' so these were literally 'territory-bishops' helping larger dioceses.

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