Vi*ca"ri*ous (?), a. [L. vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, turn, the position, place, or office of one person as assumed by another; akin to Gr. to yield, give way, G. wechsel a change, and probably also to E. weak. See Weak, and cf. Vice, prep.]

1.

Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.

2.

Acting of suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer.

The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient, and vicarious . . . in the hands of the Almighty. Sir M. Hale.

3.

Performed of suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment.

The vicarious work of the Great Deliverer. I. Taylor.

4. Med.

Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation.

 

© Webster 1913.

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