English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English *heahbischop, from Old English hēahbisċop (archbishop, pontiff; (Jewish) high-priest), equivalent to high +‎ bishop.

Noun edit

highbishop (plural highbishops)

  1. Archbishop.
    • 1902, John Healy, Insula sanctorum et doctorum:
      The Four Masters call him High-bishop of Connaught, because he was doubtless the most distinguished prelate of his time, for as yet there was no metropolitan See of Tuam.
    • 1949, Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society - Page 54:
      Maurice, the highbishop mentioned in the charter, was Muireadhach Ua Dubhthaigh who took part in the peace negotiations with Cormac Mac Carthaigh at Abhall Ceitearnaigh in 1134.
    • 1980, Kathleen Hughes, The church in early Irish society - Page 112:
      She was asserting ecclesiastical suzerainty as 'highbishop' much as the Ui Nelll kings of Tara were claiming suzerainty over other provincial kings.
    • 2007, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Michael A. Faletra, The History of the Kings of Britain:
      The Three Tribal Thrones of the Isle of Britain: Arthur as the High Prince in Menevia and Dewi as the High Bishop and Maelgwn Gwynedd as the High Elder; Arthur as the High Prince in Celliwig in Cornwall and Bedwin as the High Bishop and Caradoc Breichbras as the High Elder; [...]