Legal Definitions - episcopus

Definition: Episcopus (i-pis-kə-pəs) is a Latin word derived from Greek. It has two meanings:

1. Roman law: An overseer or inspector, such as a municipal officer who was responsible for overseeing the bread and other provisions that served as the citizens' daily food.
2. Religion: A bishop, a high-ranking member of the Christian clergy who is responsible for overseeing a diocese or group of churches.

Examples:

• In ancient Rome, the episcopus was responsible for ensuring that the citizens received an adequate supply of bread and other provisions.
• The episcopus of the diocese of New York is responsible for overseeing all the Catholic churches in the city.

The first example illustrates the Roman law meaning of episcopus, where an overseer or inspector was responsible for ensuring that the citizens received an adequate supply of bread and other provisions. The second example illustrates the religious meaning of episcopus, where a bishop is responsible for overseeing a group of churches.