Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bishop \Bish"op\, n. [OE. bischop, biscop, bisceop, AS. bisceop,
   biscop, L. episcopus overseer, superintendent, bishop, fr.
   Gr. ?, ? over + ? inspector, fr. root of ?, ?, to look to,
   perh. akin to L. specere to look at. See {Spy}, and cf.
   {Episcopal}.]
   1. A spiritual overseer, superintendent, or director.

            Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned
            unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. --1 Pet.
                                                  ii. 25.

            It is a fact now generally recognized by theologians
            of all shades of opinion, that in the language of
            the New Testament the same officer in the church is
            called indifferently ``bishop'' ( ? ) and ``elder''
            or ``presbyter.''                     --J. B.
                                                  Lightfoot.

   2. In the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Anglican or Protestant
      Episcopal churches, one ordained to the highest order of
      the ministry, superior to the priesthood, and generally
      claiming to be a successor of the Apostles. The bishop is
      usually the spiritual head or ruler of a diocese,
      bishopric, or see.

   {Bishop in partibus} [{infidelium}] (R. C. Ch.), a bishop of
      a see which does not actually exist; one who has the
      office of bishop, without especial jurisdiction.
      --Shipley.

   {Titular bishop} (R. C. Ch.), a term officially substituted
      in 1882 for bishop in partibus.

   {Bench of Bishops}. See under {Bench}.

   3. In the Methodist Episcopal and some other churches, one of
      the highest church officers or superintendents.

   4. A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a
      representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called
      archer.

   5. A beverage, being a mixture of wine, oranges or lemons,
      and sugar. --Swift.

   6. An old name for a woman's bustle. [U. S.]

            If, by her bishop, or her ``grace'' alone, A genuine
            lady, or a church, is known.          --Saxe.