bishopric

• bishoprick

From Middle English bischopriche, from Old English bisċoprīċe, equivalent to bishop +‎ -ric (compare German Reich).

• (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA^(key): /ˈbɪʃəpɹɪk/

• Audio (GA)

  (file)

bishopric (plural bishoprics)

1. A diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs.

   Synonym: diocese

   Later that year, he was appointed to the bishopric of Lindesmeere.

   • 1605, M. N. [pseudonym; William Camden], “Grave Speeches, and Wittie Apothegms of Woorthie Personages of This Realme in Former Times”, in Remaines of a Greater Worke, Concerning Britaine, […], London: […] G[eorge] E[ld] for Simon Waterson, →OCLC, page 220:

     Iohn Fiſher Biſhop of Rocheſter, when the King [Henry VII of England] would have tranſlated him from that poore Biſhopricke to a better, he refuſed, saying: He would not forſake his poore little olde wife, with whom he had ſo long lived.

   • 2023 June 28, Stephen Roberts, “Bradshaw's Britain: Alton to Exeter”, in RAIL, number 986, page 59:

     Wiltshire actually comes from Wiltonshire, for Wilton was once a county town, royal residence and bishopric - a place of significance.

2. The office or function of a bishop.

• archbishopric
• bishop

• see