noun

1. An overseer of congregations: either any such overseer, generally speaking, or (in Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Anglicanism, etc.) an official in the church hierarchy (actively or nominally) governing a diocese, supervising the church's priests, deacons, and property in its territory.

2. The holder of the Greek or Roman position of episcopus, supervisor over the public dole of grain, etc.

3. Any watchman, inspector, or overlooker.

Synonyms: consecrator, diocesan bishop, suffragan bishop, hierarch, ordinary

verb

1. To act as a bishop, to perform the duties of a bishop, especially to confirm another's membership in the church.

2. To make a bishop.

3. To provide with bishops.