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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Vicarious \Vi*ca"ri*ous\ (v[-i]*k[=a]"[i^]*[u^]s), a. [L.
vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, turn, the position,
place, or office of one person as assumed by another; akin to
Gr. e'i`kein to yield, give way, G. wechsel a change, and
probably also to E. weak. See {Weak}, and cf. {Vice}, prep.]
1. Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy;
deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.
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2. Acting or suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or
officer.
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The soul in the body is but a subordinate efficient,
and vicarious . . . in the hands of the Almighty.
--Sir M. Hale.
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3. Performed,experienced, or suffered in the place of
another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious
punishment; vicarious pleasure.
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The vicarious work of the Great Deliverer. --I.
Taylor.
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4. (Med.) Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action
which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious
hemorrhage replacing menstruation.
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