bishop
Noun
UK/ˈbɪʃ.əp/US/ˈbɪʃ.əp/
A senior member of the Christian clergy, typically in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders; also, a chess piece that moves diagonally on the board.
Example Sentences
The bishop led the procession into the cathedral on Sunday morning.
A bishop often oversees multiple churches within a specific region known as a diocese.
During the chess match, she strategically moved her bishop to threaten her opponent’s king.
The bishop’s sermon emphasized the values of compassion and unity.
After years of dedicated service, he was appointed as a bishop by the church authority.
In medieval Europe, a bishop held significant influence, both spiritually and politically, often advising kings and queens on matters of faith and governance.
He captured his rival’s bishop in a swift move that completely shifted the balance of power on the chessboard, much to the surprise of everyone watching.
At the national conference, bishops from various regions convened to discuss the future direction of the church, collaborating on ways to foster interfaith dialogue and strengthen community outreach programs.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A high-ranking Christian official or a diagonally moving chess piece.As a noun, “bishop” carries two primary meanings. First, it refers to a high-ranking Christian clergy member who oversees multiple churches or congregations. In formal or religious contexts, you might hear, “He was consecrated as a bishop last year,” or “The bishop led the ceremony.” In conversation about church hierarchy, “bishop” conveys leadership and spiritual authority. Second, in the realm of board games, “bishop” is a chess piece that moves diagonally any number of squares. If you’re discussing a chess match, you might say, “I sacrificed my bishop to win the rook,” or “The bishop controlled the long diagonal.” When writing instructional material on chess, “bishop” is introduced alongside other pieces like the rook, knight, and queen, emphasizing its unique movement and strategic value. “Bishop” can also appear metaphorically to denote someone playing an important role, albeit with certain limits or specific functions. In cultural contexts, you may use it to highlight a figure with unique responsibilities or constraints, similar to how a bishop is crucial in chess yet restricted to a single color on the board. No matter which meaning you intend—religious or recreational—make sure the context clarifies whether you’re speaking of church authority or strategic gameplay.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for terms to express a religious figure of comparable rank, consider 'archbishop' (a more senior position in certain denominations) or 'cardinal' (in the Roman Catholic Church). Meanwhile, 'vicar' and 'pastor' refer to other clergy but carry different responsibilities and hierarchical standing. 'Monseigneur' is sometimes used as an honorific in specific traditions, though less commonly in conversation.For the chess meaning, 'piece moving diagonally' may be enough for generic discussions, but it lacks the official term's precision. 'Cleric' can be a playful stand-in for the bishop in some whimsical or stylized chess sets. In other board games, similar concepts might be called 'officers' or 'characters,' but the specific mechanics differ. When speaking generally, you might say 'chess official' informally, yet most players simply keep to 'bishop,' as it’s widely recognized among enthusiasts. By choosing alternatives carefully, you can either stress the piece’s religious connotation or focus on the functional aspect in a game.
Writing
In writing, clarity is paramount when using “bishop” to ensure that readers grasp which context—religious or game-related—you intend. When dealing with church hierarchy, establish the bishop’s role and domain, such as 'Bishop of a particular diocese.' Provide explanations or references to relevant doctrines or ceremonies if the audience might be unfamiliar with Christian traditions. If you’re describing a bishop’s responsibilities, detail spiritual guidance, administrative tasks, and community outreach.For chess references, specify the piece’s function and importance within the game’s strategy. Include examples of effective bishop maneuvers, like controlling long diagonals or collaborating with other pieces to trap the opponent’s king. If your piece is instructional, highlight typical pitfalls, such as leaving a bishop unprotected or missing opportunities to exploit its range. Maintain a coherent structure by devoting separate sections to each meaning if your writing covers both. Providing context is essential, and a short introductory paragraph can prepare readers for the topic at hand. Lastly, maintain a balance between technical detail and readability, guiding the audience confidently through your text.
Casual Conversation
Casually, “bishop” might come up if you’re chatting about religious news—like the appointment of a new bishop in your local diocese—or recounting weekend board game nights with friends. You might hear someone say, “We played a great game of chess; my bishop was unstoppable,” or, “Our church just got a new bishop who’s really involved in community projects.” When talking with people who aren’t deeply religious or big chess fans, be sure to clarify which meaning you intend, especially in a setting where both might be relevant—like a family reunion where your uncle is a pastor and your cousins are avid chess players. You could also share interesting tidbits, such as how the bishop piece symbolizes clergy in historical contexts, or point out the piece’s distinctive diagonal movement that sets it apart from rooks and knights. Keeping it simple and friendly helps listeners stay engaged in the conversation, whether you’re in a café discussing local church events or hanging out at home, playing a relaxing round of chess after dinner.
Etymology
The word “bishop” has its roots in the Greek term “episkopos,” meaning 'overseer' or 'guardian.' As Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, “episkopos” evolved into Latin forms and eventually entered Old English as 'bisceop.' Over centuries, 'bishop' established itself as a key title designating a spiritual leader who supervises multiple congregations, reflecting the notion of watchful oversight. The term entered the realm of chess because medieval Europe adapted the game from earlier versions, adding local religious and feudal elements to the pieces. The figure that originally served as an 'elephant' in older forms of chess was transformed into a 'bishop,' aligning with the church’s prominence in medieval society. Over time, its movement and design also shifted, resulting in today’s slender piece crowned with a small cut that some interpret as a stylized mitre (the traditional headgear of a bishop). This dual history—religious official and strategic chess icon—illustrates how language morphs alongside cultural changes, blending religious hierarchy with entertainment in a single term that’s easily recognized around the world.
