vicar of Bray

-ˈbrā
: a man of changeable allegiance : opportunist, turncoat

Word History

Etymology

after the Vicar of Bray, semilegendary 16th century English vicar of the village of Bray, Berkshire county, England, who gave allegiance to Protestantism or Roman Catholicism according to the religion of the reigning monarch, and is said to have been twice a Protestant and twice a Roman Catholic vicar

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near vicar of Bray

Cite this Entry

“Vicar of Bray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicar%20of%20Bray. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!