(griech.)seit Kaiser Diokletian Unterverwaltungsbezirk des Röm. Imperiums, seit Konstatin (4. Jh.) auch Verwaltungssprengel der Erzbischöfe, später der Bischöfe; territoriale Organsisationsform der kath. Kirche.
ETYM AS. bisceoprîce; bisceop bishop + rîce dominion. Related to -ric.
1. A diocese; the district over which the jurisdiction of a bishop extends.
2. The office of a spiritual overseer, as of an apostle, bishop, or presbyter.
ETYM Old Eng. diocise, Old Fren. diocise, French diocése, Latin dioecesis, from Greek, housekeeping, administration, a province, a diocese. Related to Economy.
The territorial jurisdiction of a bishop; SYN. bishopric.