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Bishop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bishop

[ˈbɪʃəp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

chess piece

A bishop is a piece in the game of chess that can move diagonally across the board. Each player starts the game with two bishops, one on a light square and one on a dark square.

Synonyms

chess piece, religious leader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bishop

In the context of a chess game, this word refers to a piece that moves diagonally on the board.

  • I moved my bishop to protect the king.
  • The bishop plays a crucial role in controlling the board's diagonals.
chess piece

This phrase applies to any of the 16 playing pieces in a game of chess, including bishops, pawns, knights, rooks, queens, and kings.

  • He strategically moved each chess piece one by one.
  • All the chess pieces were aligned at the beginning of the game.
religious leader

This is a broader term that refers to any person who leads or inspires a religious community, not limited to bishops.

  • The religious leader gave a moving sermon during the service.
  • Religious leaders often play a vital role in guiding their communities.

Examples of usage

  • The bishop can move diagonally in any direction.
  • Capturing the opponent's bishop can give you an advantage in the game.
Context #2 | Noun

religious leader

In the Christian church, a bishop is a senior member of the clergy who is responsible for overseeing a group of churches or a diocese.

Synonyms

clergyman, prelate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bishop

Also used in chess, where it refers to a piece that moves diagonally across the board.

  • I moved my bishop to take his rook.
  • The bishop is a powerful piece if used strategically.
clergyman

A general term for someone who is a member of the clergy, performing religious duties and ceremonies regardless of rank.

  • The clergyman gave a heartfelt sermon on compassion.
  • As a clergyman, he often visited the sick and the elderly.
prelate

A senior member of the clergy, typically a bishop or someone of higher rank, often used in more formal or historical contexts.

  • The prelate was involved in the high-level decisions of the church.
  • In the medieval era, a prelate held significant power in both religious and political matters.

Examples of usage

  • The bishop officiated the wedding ceremony.
  • The bishop delivered a sermon to the congregation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'episkopos,' meaning 'overseer' or 'guardian.'
  • In early Christianity, bishops were responsible for teaching and protecting the Christian faith during times of persecution.
  • The office of bishop became more established after the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious freedom in the Roman Empire.

Cultural Significance

  • In the Catholic Church, bishops are often seen as successors to the apostles, maintaining a direct link to the original followers of Christ.
  • Various cultures have different types of bishops, including Anglican, Orthodox, and Lutheran denominations, each with unique practices.
  • Bishops often play vital roles in community events, public service, and interfaith dialogues, promoting peace and understanding.

Symbolism

  • A bishop's hat, called a mitre, symbolizes their authority and responsibility in guiding their diocese.
  • The crosier, a shepherd's staff, represents the bishop's role as a leader and protector of their flock.
  • The colors of vestments worn by bishops often signify different liturgical seasons, conveying belief and tradition.

Literature

  • In Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables,' the bishop plays a pivotal role in showing compassion and forgiveness, influencing the main character's life.
  • Bishops have been featured as characters representing moral authority and social justice in various works of literature, reflecting their community roles.
  • The figure of the bishop often symbolizes a struggle between faith and personal morality in storytelling, providing a framework for conflict.

Games

  • In chess, the bishop moves diagonally and represents the spiritual guidance that leaders provide.
  • The strategic nature of the bishop piece in chess highlights the importance of foresight and planning, relating to how bishops lead congregations.
  • Chess, invented in India and later modified in Europe, integrates the concept of a bishop as a metaphor for religious and moral authority.

Origin of 'bishop'

The word 'bishop' originated from the Old English word 'bisceop', which in turn came from the Latin word 'episcopus', meaning overseer. The role of bishops in the Christian church can be traced back to the early days of Christianity, with bishops serving as spiritual leaders and administrators. Over time, the term 'bishop' has also been adopted in other contexts, such as chess, to refer to a specific piece on the board.

See also: archbishop, bishopric.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,579, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.