A vicar is a type of clergy member in certain Christian churches, especially the Church of England (Anglican Church). The word comes from Latin and originally meant someone who serves “in place of” another person. In medieval times, when a priest couldn't personally serve a parish because he had other duties, he would appoint a vicar to do the work in his place.

Today, a vicar is simply the priest in charge of a parish church, leading worship services, performing baptisms and weddings, visiting the sick, and caring for the spiritual needs of the community. In England, you might hear people say “the vicar is coming to tea” or refer to “our local vicar,” much like Americans might say “our pastor” or “our minister.”

The word appears frequently in British literature and film. In many classic English novels, the vicar is a central figure in village life, someone who knows everyone and helps hold the community together.

In the Catholic Church, vicar has a slightly different meaning: it refers to a representative of a bishop or the Pope, someone who acts with their authority. But in everyday usage, especially in British English, vicar simply means the person who leads the local church.