GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Diocese , n.; pl. Dioceses . [OE. diocise, OF. diocise, F. diocése, L. dioecesis, fr. Gr.  housekeeping, administration, a province, a diocese, fr.  to keep house, manage; διά through +  to manage a household,  a house. See Economy.] (Eccl.) The circuit or extent of a bishop's jurisdiction; the district in which a bishop exercises his ecclesiastical authority. [Frequently, but improperly, spelt diocess.]
   1913 Webster