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Glite Dictionary
coadjutor

coadjutor

9.9
A bishop who helps another bishop in the church and often takes their place
  • noun
  • /koʊˈædʒʊtər/
  • Jargon
translation icon : coadjutor
  • He was appointed coadjutor to the aging bishop of the diocese.
  • coadjutor bishop
  • coadjutor archbishop
  • appointed coadjutor

Examples

  • The coadjutor played a significant role in church administration.

  • Upon the bishop's retirement, the coadjutor automatically assumed his position.

  • The new coadjutor is here.

  • Bishop Smith appointed a coadjutor yesterday.

  • In 2004, he was appointed as a coadjutor bishop to help lead the diocese during its transition.

  • The coadjutor bishop supported the archbishop in pastoral duties and was prepared to take over when needed.

  • After many years of faithful service, the coadjutor bishop was finally elevated to the position of archbishop.

Synonyms

suffragan
vscoadjutor
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A bishop who helps the main bishop in a church area called a diocese

often includes the right to succeed the diocesan leader when a vacancy occurs
suffragan bishop
vscoadjutor
  • Specialized
9.9

A bishop who helps the main bishop of a diocese with church work

often includes the right to take over when the diocesan leader retires

Surface Forms

coadjutor singular
coadjutors plural

Morphology

coadjutor = adjutor (semi-transparent) = co + adjutor

The element 'co-' (with) plus 'adjutor' (helper) yields a clear notion of a joint helper, but 'adjutor' is a rare word and the specific ecclesiastical nuance (right of succession) is specialized.

Etymology

Coadjutor comes from Latin parts co- meaning 'with' and adjutor meaning 'helper', and it is like the English word aide. So a coadjutor is a bishop who helps another bishop and often takes the place of that bishop later.