1 suffragan | Definition of suffragan
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suffragan

noun
suf·​fra·​gan | \ ˈsə-fri-gən How to pronounce suffragan (audio) , -jən\

Definition of suffragan

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a diocesan bishop (as in the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England) subordinate to a metropolitan
2 : an Anglican or Episcopal bishop assisting a diocesan bishop and not having the right of succession

suffragan

adjective

Definition of suffragan (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of or being a suffragan
2 : subordinate to a metropolitan or archiepiscopal see

Examples of suffragan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 The Rev. Barbara Harris The Rev. Barbara Harris, a retired bishop suffragan from Massachusetts, gave a rousing sermon. — Dan Kane And Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "Episcopal Church in central NC gets new bishop," 15 July 2017 The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland had elevated Cook to the position of bishop suffragan in May of 2014. — Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, "Parole hearing for former Bishop Heather Cook set for this morning," 9 May 2017 The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland had elevated Cook to the position of bishop suffragan in May 2014. — Jonathan M. Pitts, Washington Post, "Early parole rejected for Md. woman who pleaded guilty in drunk-driving case," 9 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suffragan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of suffragan

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for suffragan

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin suffrāgāneus, suffrāgānus, noun derivative of suffrāgāneus, adjective, "serving in a subordinate capacity, subordinate to an archbishop or metropolitan" — more at suffragan entry 2

Adjective

Middle English syffrygane, borrowed from Medieval Latin suffrāgāneus, suffrāgānus "serving, assisting, serving in a subordinate capacity, subordinate to an archbishop or metropolitan," from suffrāgārī "to express support for, be of assistance, be subordinate" (going back to Latin, "to express public support for") + Latin -āneus "performing (the action of the verb)", from -ānus -an entry 2 + -eus -eous — more at suffrage

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