suburbicarian
/səˌbəːbɪˈkɛːrɪən/ /ˌsʌbəːbɪˈkɛːrɪən/Roman Catholic Church
adjective
Of or relating to the dioceses located around Rome, the bishops of which form the body of cardinal bishops, with supreme authority being held by the Pope as metropolitan; designating any of these dioceses.
- Although there are seven such dioceses, the number of cardinal bishops remains at six, the dean of the College of Cardinals taking the see of Ostia in addition to his own. Until 1962 the cardinal bishops took pastoral charge of their suburbicarian dioceses; since then the position has been honorary..
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in William Laud (1573–1645), archbishop of Canterbury. From post-classical Latin suburbicarius suburbicary + -an.