IPA: /ˈvɪkərʃɪp/
KK: /ˈvɪkərˌʃɪp/
The position or role of a vicar, who is a representative of a bishop in a church.
He was appointed to the vicarship after many years of service in the parish.
Vicarship is formed from "vicar" (from Latin "vicarius", meaning substitute or deputy) and "-ship" (meaning the state or condition of). The term refers to the position or office of a vicar, who acts as a substitute for a bishop or other ecclesiastical authority.
Think of a vicar as a 'substitute' ('vicarius') in a religious role, and '-ship' indicating a position or state. This helps you remember that vicarship is the state of being a substitute in a religious context.