PARISHES Meaning and
Definition
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Parishes are administrative divisions or territorial units typically used in ecclesiastical and civil contexts. In an ecclesiastical context, a parish is a community of Christians served by a specific church or clergy member. It may encompass a specific geographic area and its inhabitants, or it may be a community of believers associated with a particular religious denomination or congregation.
In civil or local government contexts, parishes are administrative subdivisions of a larger jurisdiction, such as a county or municipality. Parishes are often used in countries with a strong historical influence from European systems, particularly the United Kingdom and its former colonies. These divisions help facilitate local governance and administration by allowing for a more localized approach to services and decision-making.
Parishes can vary in size, population, and responsibilities, depending on the country and its specific governance structure. They may have their own elected officials, such as parish councils or boards, responsible for local matters like zoning, planning, and basic services. Parishes can also have cultural and historical significance, preserving traditional boundaries and local identities.
Overall, parishes represent distinct geographic or social communities structured around religious or administrative institutions. They play a crucial role in shaping local governance, promoting community development, and providing spiritual support.
Top Common Misspellings for PARISHES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PARISHES
Etymology of PARISHES
The word "parishes" has its etymological roots in Late Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "parochia", which originally referred to the jurisdiction of a parish priest. This Latin term, in turn, comes from the Greek word "paroikia", meaning "sojourning in a foreign land" or "residence in a strange place". The Greek word is a combination of "para", meaning "beside", and "oikos", meaning "house". Over time, "parochia" evolved into "parish" in English, which denotes a local administrative division or a territorial unit with its own church and priest. The plural form, "parishes", simply denotes multiple parishes.
Similar spelling words for PARISHES
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