diocese
/ˈdʌɪəsɪs
/noun (plural dioceses /ˈdʌɪəsiːz/ /ˈdʌɪəsiːzɪz/)
A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church.Nothing has been said about what would become of parishes, clergy, or dioceses in a church which walks apart....
- That's one reason that there has been a spontaneous burst of energy in dioceses whose bishops are retiring.
- Two parish priests in the dioceses of Lincoln and Southwark even provided dates for the ceremonies, which they agreed could take place in their own churches.
Synonyms
bishopric, see, parish
Origin
Middle English: from Old French diocise, from late Latin diocesis, from Latin dioecesis 'governor's jurisdiction, diocese', from Greek dioikēsis 'administration, diocese', from dioikein 'keep house, administer'.