Pronunciation: [sˈʌfɹaɡənt] (IPA) 
The word "suffragant" is spelled with two Fs and one G, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsʌfrəɡənt/. The term is used to describe a bishop who acts as an assistant to a higher-ranking bishop. The origins of the word can be traced back to the Latin word "suffragium," which means "vote" or "support." Today, the word has limited usage but still appears in religious contexts.
Suffragant, in the context of ecclesiastical organization, refers to a bishop who assists or supports a metropolitan bishop. The term is predominantly used in the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some other Christian denominations.
A suffragant bishop holds a lower rank than the metropolitan bishop, who is usually the head or principal bishop of an ecclesiastical province. The suffragant bishop serves as an auxiliary or assistant to the metropolitan bishop, aiding in the administration and oversight of a larger territorial division known as a province.
In the Roman Catholic Church, suffragant bishops are appointed by the Pope upon the recommendation of the metropolitan bishop. They are responsible for their own dioceses within the province but are subject to the authority of the metropolitan bishop, who is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the activities of the various dioceses under their jurisdiction. Suffragant bishops may participate in the synods or councils held by the metropolitan bishop and have certain collaborative responsibilities.
In the Anglican Communion, suffragan bishops are appointed by the diocesan bishop and serve as additional support in large dioceses. They typically perform similar duties as suffragant bishops in the Roman Catholic Church, assisting the diocesan bishop in pastoral care, administration, and leadership.
Overall, suffragant is a term used to designate a subordinate bishop who works closely with a metropolitan or diocesan bishop to fulfill the responsibilities of a larger ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
The word "suffragant" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "suffragans", which is the present participle of the verb "suffragari". "Suffragari" translates to "to support" or "to vote for" in English.
In the context of the Catholic Church, a "suffragant bishop" is a bishop who assists and supports an archbishop or metropolitan bishop. The title originated in medieval Latin and was used to describe bishops who were under the jurisdiction of an archbishop within a province. While the archbishop holds higher authority, the suffragant bishop remains an important figure within the ecclesiastical structure.
The word "suffragant" is specifically used to describe this hierarchical relationship within the Catholic Church, but it can also be used more generally to refer to someone who supports or aids a higher-ranking individual.
