Definition of vicarious

• prep. - Of or pertaining to a vicar, substitute, or deputy; deputed; delegated; as, vicarious power or authority.
• prep. - Acting of suffering for another; as, a vicarious agent or officer.
• prep. - Performed of suffered in the place of another; substituted; as, a vicarious sacrifice; vicarious punishment.
• prep. - Acting as a substitute; -- said of abnormal action which replaces a suppressed normal function; as, vicarious hemorrhage replacing menstruation.