Vicarious ,
a. [L. vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, turn, the position, place, or office of one person as assumed by another; akin to Gr. εἴκειν to yield, give way, G. wechsel a change, and probably also to E. weak. See Weak, and cf. Vice, prep.]- Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.
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- Acting or suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer.
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The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient, and vicarious . . . in the hands of the Almighty.
Sir M. Hale.
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- Performed ,experienced, or suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment; vicarious pleasure.
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+ PJC
The vicarious work of the Great Deliverer.
I. Taylor.
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- (Med.) Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation.
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