adv. [f. prec. + -LY2.]
1. By substitution of one thing or person for another; by means of a substitute.
1796. Burke, Regic. Peace, ii. Wks. 1808, VIII. 237. Not being able to revenge themselves on God, they have a delight in vicariously defacing … his image in man.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, xvii. Some one must drink it for him, he shall be cured vicariously.
1835–6. Todd’s Cycl. Anat., I. 133/1. Respiration is also carried on vicariously in a very large proportion of animals.
1861. J. G. Sheppard, Fall Rome, vii. 397. His campaigns were … vicariously carried on by a general whom common report designated as the Achilles of the Vandals.
1883. ‘Ouida,’ Wanda, I. 60. She never did anything vicariously which concerned those dependent upon her.
2. As a substitute for another.
1868. Garrod, Mat. Med. (ed. 3), 410. To cause the skin to act vicariously when the action of other secreting organs is excessive.
1886. J. Morley, Crit. Misc., I. 298. He suspected the practice by which one man offered up prayer vicariously and collectively for the assembled congregation.
