Category:Vicarious

Vi*ca"ri*ous, a. Etym: [l. vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, Turn, the position, place, or office of one person as assumed by Another; akin to gr. wechsel a change, and probably also to e. weak. See weak, and cf. Vice, prep.]

1. Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; Delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.

2. Acting of suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer. The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient, and vicarious. . . in the hands of the almighty. Sir m. Hale.

3. Performed of suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a Vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment. The vicarious work of the great deliverer. I. Taylor.

4. (med.)

Defn: acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action which Replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage Replacing menstruation.