Bishop

n. [A-S. bisceop, biscop, Icel. biskup, Sw. biskop, Dan. bisJop, bisp, D. bisschop, N. H. Ger. bischof, O. H. Ger. piscof, Goth. aipiskaupus, Sp. obispo, Pg. bispo, It. vescovo, Pr. evesque, vesque, bisbe, Fr. évêque, from Lat. episcopus, Gr. ἐπίσκοπος, overseer, superintendent, ἐπί, over, and σκοπός, inspector, from σκοπεῖν, σκέπτεσθαι, to look to, view; whence ἐπισκοπεῖν, ἐπισκέπτεσθαι, to look at, inspect.] 1. An overseer; a spiritual superintendent, ruler, or director.

Ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. I Pet. ii. 25.

The same persons are in this chapter called elders or presbyters, and overseers or bishops. Scott, Com., Acts xx.

Till the churches were multiplied, the bishops and presbyters were the same. Scott, Com., Phil. i. 1; I Tim. iii. 1; Tit. i. 7.

Both the Greek and Latin fathers do, with one consent, declare that bishops were called presbyters, and presbyters bishops, in apostolic times, the name being then common. Whitby.

2Sense 2. In Episcopal usage, the highest of the three orders of the Christian ministry, identical with that which, in the New Testament, bears the style of apostle. Stanton's Eccl. Hist.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. BISHOPED; p. pr. & vb. n. BISHOPING.] 1. To confirm; to admit solemnly into the church; hence, to receive formally to favor. And chose to bear The name of fool confirmed and bishoped by the fair. Dryden. They are profane, imperfect, oh! too bad, Except confirmed and bishoped by thee. Donne. 2. (Far.) To use arts to give a young or good appearance to; — said of an old or a bad horse. White.