Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIC-AR-GEN'ER-AL, n.

A title given by Henry VIII. to the earl of Essex, with power to oversee all the clergy, and regulate all church affairs. It is now the title of an office, which, as well as that of official principal, is united in the chancellor of the diocese. The business of the vicar-general is to exercise jurisdiction over matters purely spiritual. – Cyc.