boy bishop
The 'boy bishop' tradition, rooted in medieval Europe, saw young boys temporarily assuming bishop roles during specific festive periods.
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Definition
C1Medieval Europe
(historical)A young boy chosen to act as a bishop during certain festive periods, typically from the Feast of St. Nicholas to the Feast of the Holy Innocents.
Example
- In medieval England, the boy bishop would lead processions and perform ceremonies, excluding mass.
- The tradition of the boy bishop was abolished in England by Elizabeth I.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "boy bishop":